360 degrees prophylactic cryoretinopexy. A clinical and experimental study
D. M. Robertson and I. A. Priluck
Complications occurred after 360 degrees prophylactic cryoretinopexy in
three of six eyes in which fellow eyes had previously developed aphakic
retinal detachment. Two of the six prophylactically treated eyes developed
retinal detachment in advance of anticipated cataract surgery, and a third
developed vitreitis and progressive preretinal membrane formation after
uncomplicated cataract extraction. In an experiment study with rhesus
monkeys, preretinal membrane formation was produced by administering heavy
freezes with 360 degrees cryoretinopexy. Although the quantities of cold
were considered excessive for clinical use, the cryoretinopexy used
clinically in this series must also be considered excessive. The use of 360
degrees cryoretinopexy in the management of eyes at high risk for retinal
detachment must be considered judiciously. Particular caution must be
exercised in administering cryoretinopexy to nondetached retinas so as to
avoid heavy freezes, which destroy the linear retinal layers.
