RETINA DETACHMENT: VITRECTOMY SURGERY AND SYSTEMIC SUPPORTIVE TREATMENT FOR RETINA HEALTH

Abstract

Retinal detachment is a serious ophthalmological condition that occurs when the retina separates from the underlying layers of the eyeball. This condition can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated properly. Vitrectomy surgery is emerging as one of the main procedures for treating retinal detachment, involving the removal of the eye's gelatinous vitreous and, often, the use of gas or silicone to reattach the retina. In addition to surgical intervention, systemic support for retinal health, through measures such as blood pressure and diabetes control, plays a crucial role in the long-term management of the condition. Objective: Critically analyze recent studies on vitrectomy techniques, including innovations and long-term results, and evaluate the effectiveness of systemic supportive interventions on retinal health after retinal detachment. Methodology: The systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases were searched, using the descriptors: "retinal detachment", "vitrectomy", "systemic support", "long-term outcomes", "retinal health". Studies published in the last 10 years that investigated vitrectomy techniques and systemic supportive interventions for retinal health were included. The inclusion criteria were: original studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses in English, Spanish or Portuguese. Exclusion criteria were: duplicate studies, studies with small samples (less than 20 participants) and studies focusing only on animals. Results: The results highlighted significant advances in vitrectomy techniques, such as the use of microsurgical instrumentation and intraocular adjuvants. Furthermore, they demonstrated that effective control of systemic factors such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus can improve long-term visual outcomes in patients with retinal detachment. Conclusion: The systematic review showed that vitrectomy continues to be a pillar in the treatment of retinal detachment, with continuous improvements in the techniques and materials used. Furthermore, it reinforced the importance of systemic support for retinal health as an essential complement to surgical treatment. This information is essential to guide clinical practices and future investigations in the area, aiming to improve visual results and quality of life for patients affected by this complex ophthalmological condition.