Change in Axial Length After Vitrectomy with Silicone Oil Tamponade for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

Abstract Background We aimed to explore the changes in the axial length and related factors after vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Methods This study retrospectively evaluated patients who underwent vitrectomy with silicone oil (SO) tamponade for RRD and subsequent silicone oil removal at our clinic. Using a Zeiss IOLMaster 700, axial length was measured before vitrectomy for RRD and SO removal. The change in axial length (ΔAL) was calculated, and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the potential correlation between ΔAL and clinical factors, such as preoperative hypotony, extreme myopia, age, macular involvement, choroidal detachment, operation duration, and operation history. Results In total, 213 eyes from 213 patients were included. The mean axial length changed significantly pre- and post-vitrectomy (25.98 ± 2.87 mm and 26.25 ± 3.07 mm, respectively, P < 0.001); the mean ΔAL was 0.37 ± 0.62 mm. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative hypotony and extreme myopia were significantly correlated with the ΔAL (P = 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). A higher proportion of hypotonic eyes had ΔAL ≥ 0.3 mm (33/76 in hypotony eyes and 32/137 in others; P = 0.003). A higher proportion of extremely myopic eyes also had a ΔAL ≥ 0.3 mm (23/46 in extremely myopic eyes and 42/167 in others; P=0.002). Conclusion Axial length changed after vitrectomy for RRD, especially in cases with hypotony or extreme myopia; secondary lens implantation should be considered in these cases.