Abstract
This is a case of a patient with metamorphopsias after presumed anatomically successful retinal detachment repair. Imaging revealed misalignment of the blood vessels, indicating possible retinal displacement. This is a recently described phenomenon of misalignment of the retina upon reattachment that could theoretically lead to metamorphopsia that is difficult to assess and interpret but may lead to decreased quality of life. It seems to be more common than previously hypothesized. There is a growing body of literature showing increased incidence with vitrectomy versus scleral buckling and possibly pneumatic retinopexy. There are other patient-specific, retinal detachment-specific, and surgery-specific factors that may also contribute to its development, or protect from it, such as the presence of giant retinal tears, the use of heavy liquids intraoperatively (such as perfluorocarbon liquids). Permitting some remaining subretinal fluid, the use of silicone oil fill, and the use of a drainage retinotomy seem to be some of the intraoperative protective factors. The clinical significance of retinal displacement is still controversial, as it may be one of many contributors to metamorphopsia and decreased vision-related quality of life, and not the main contributor as initially thought.
Presentation Date: 11/06/2025
Issue Date: 11/13/2026
