Effect of scleral indentation on the corneal topography and the axial length after retinal detachment surgery. A prospective study in 30 cases

Scleral indentation is an essential time in conventional retinal detachment surgery. It enables re-establishing retinal contact and to counterbalance vitreal tractions. It can be circular, segmental or radial. Silicone materials are often used. In a prospective study, we followed up 30 eyes of patients who underwent retinal detachment surgery. We analyzed changes in corneal surface using differential map of the corneal (induced astigmatism, meridian axial deviation) and change in the axial length of the globe. Follow-up examination showed corneal astigmatism: 2.62 diopter (D) at one week, 2.37D at one month and 1.80D at 3 months. Corneal axis meridians changed: 25 degrees at one week and 18.6 degrees at 2 months. Axial length was also modified. We observed a lengthening: 1.7mm during the first week which remained unchanged at 1.63 after 2 and 3 months. These changes were studied according to the different techniques used in our study and were compared with results reported in the literature. We think that conventional retinal detachment surgery causes modifications in refractis (induced astigmatism and axial lengthening).