A detached retina, visible as a grey, mobile membrane. Credit: Gartnavel Hospital

Researchers in China found using a hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel patch to treat retinal patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) eliminated the need for postoperative prone positioning while demonstrating a favourable safety profile and effectiveness comparable to traditional gas tamponade.

Published in Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology, the study included 313 participants diagnosed with RRD classified as PVR grade A or B, excluding those with giant retinal tears spanning more than one quadrant. Following laser photocoagulation, the experimental group received intraocular tamponade with a combination of linearly cross-linked sodium HA hydrogel and sterile air, while the control group received intraocular tamponade with perfluoropropane gas.

At 24 weeks, retinal reattachment rates were 91.8% in the experimental group and 91.4% in the control group (p=0.903), with no statistically significant differences at any follow-up time point. Additionally, there were no significant differences between the groups in terms of best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure or postoperative complications, said researchers.