retinavitreoretinale

Retinavitreoretinale is a term used in ophthalmology to describe disorders that involve the retina and the vitreous body, and, in particular, the interface between these two structures. It encompasses conditions affecting the posterior segment where vitreomacular traction, epiretinal membranes, macular holes, and retinal detachments may arise from abnormal adhesion and traction at the vitreoretinal interface.

Anatomy and pathophysiology: The vitreous body is attached to the retina at several points; with aging, the posterior hyaloid may remain adhered, creating traction that distorts retinal architecture. Epiretinal membranes and irregular internal limiting membrane folds can warp the macula. Proliferative vitreoretinopathy and other scar-forming processes can lead to complex tractional detachments.

Clinical features: Patients may present with metamorphopsia (distorted vision), decreased visual acuity, floaters, or visual field defects depending on the affected area. Diagnosis is based on dilated fundus examination and imaging such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and B-scan ultrasonography; fluorescein angiography can help in select cases.

Management: Many vitreoretinal interface disorders are treated surgically when vision or symptoms are significant. Pars plana vitrectomy with removal of vitreous traction and peeling of epiretinal membranes or the internal limiting membrane is common; macular holes may be closed with specific techniques and sometimes gas tamponade. Retinal detachments with vitreoretinal traction may require vitrectomy with retinopexy. Observation is appropriate for certain stable cases.

Prognosis and terminology: Outcomes depend on the underlying condition, duration, and macular involvement. Retinavitreoretinale is a descriptive label used to categorize diseases at the vitreoretinal interface rather than to denote a single disease.