Persistent Subretinal Fluid Following Successful Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Surgery.

Purpose: To provide an updated, critical summary of the literature on the topic of persistent subretinal fluid (PSF) following successful rhegmatogenous retinal detachment surgery.

Methods: Narrative literature review.

Results: PSF remains an insufficiently studied topic. Incidence rates vary significantly between reports, but pars plana vitrectomy seems associated with lower rates than buckle surgery. Multiple etiologies and risk factors have been proposed, none being conclusive. PSF gradually resolves in most cases which may be a lengthy process, often with no effect on potential final visual acuity. There is concern that some cases with PSF may sustain photoreceptor damage, retinal displacement, or retinal fold formation. There is no current evidence to support any treatment modality over observation in uncomplicated cases of PSF.

Conclusion: Future large, well-controlled, prospective trials could help elucidate incidence rate, etiological factors, and sequelae of PSF, as well as the value of different interventions in its prevention and management.