A Historical Review of Encircling Laser Retinopexy as a Prophylaxis for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment; and a Commentary on Recent Progress in Stickler Syndrome

Robert E Morris,1– 3 Ferenc Kuhn,1,4 Matthew H Oltmanns,1– 3 Matthew R West,1– 3 Cary R Baxter,1– 3 Mathew R Sapp,1– 3 Harshvardhan Chawla1– 3 1Helen Keller Eye Research Foundation, Birmingham, AL, USA; 2Retina Specialists of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA; 3Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; 4Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, HungaryCorrespondence: Robert E Morris, Helen Keller Eye Research Foundation, 2208 University Blvd, Suite 101, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA, Tel +1 659 297 5577, Email rmmd@helenkellerfoundation.orgAbstract: Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD) is typically caused by retinal tears anterior to the equator, usually occurring in normal appearing retina. We here review the chronological history of encircling (360-degree) laser retinopexy to the peripheral retina as a stand-alone prophylaxis for retinal tears in asymptomatic eyes determined to be at high risk. We describe recent strong proof that such encircling prophylaxis prevents RD in Stickler syndrome, the highest risk predisposing condition known. Finally, we note that peripheral vitreous traction tears are the common pathogenesis of RD in both syndromic and non-syndromic eyes, so that such prevention may ultimately prove effectual in eyes determined to be at high risk in both.Plain Language Summary: In a rare, childhood disease called Stickler syndrome, noninvasive laser prevention of retinal detachment (RD) has recently been proven to be safe and effective. Such 360-degree laser treatment will likely be eventually proven to also prevent RD’s that more commonly occur in the course of normal aging.Keywords: encircling laser prevention, retinal detachment prevention, 360-degree laser prophylaxis, ora secunda cerclage, OSC, Stickler syndrome, OSC/SS