Decompression retinopathy and possible risk factors.

PURPOSE: To discuss the underlying mechanisms in decompression retinopathy.

METHODS: Report of two cases.

RESULTS: Retinal hemorrhages secondary to decompression retinopathy occurred following combined trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy with mitomycine-C (MMC) in one eye of a case of congenital glaucoma and pars plana vitrectomy-lensectomy in a case of vitreous condensation secondary to pars planitis. Both cases were operated under general anesthesia. Postoperative hypotony did not take place in either eye. The same surgical procedure was performed on the other eye of the patient with congenital glaucoma 1 week apart. Postoperative decompression retinopathy was not seen in this eye despite hypotony was recorded.

CONCLUSION: Valsalva manoeuvre, hypotony and other factors may play a role individually or in combination in the pathogenesis of decompression retinopathy.