Exudative retinal detachment after photodynamic injury
C. A. Wilson, A. J. Royster, J. S. Tiedeman and D. L. Hatchell
Veterans Administration Medical Center, Durham, NC.
Exudative retinal detachments occur in a variety of retinal and choroidal
diseases. We created serous retinal detachment in the cat eye by means of
photodynamic injury produced by activation of intravascular rose bengal
using filtered, focused light (550 nm). Fluorescein angiography later
revealed focal retinal and choroidal vascular occlusion surrounded by a
larger area of leakage through the pigment epithelium. Serous retinal
detachments occurred rapidly, gradually enlarged over the next 3 days, and
resolved in all eyes after 14 to 21 days. Histopathologic and
ultrastructural features of early lesions included the accumulation of
proteinaceous fluid in the subretinal space, pigment epithelial cell
damage, and localized occlusion of retinal vessels and the
choriocapillaris. Later changes consisted of limited regeneration of the
retina and portions of the tapetum. In several respects, these experimental
detachments resemble the serous retinal detachments associated with
choroidal ischemia in humans, and may serve as a useful model in the study
of choroidal microvascular hypoperfusion.
