Mohamad Aziz Salowi,¹ Kian-Seng Lim^2
1Department of Ophthalmology, Sarawak General Hospital, Kuching, Sarawak, and ²International Specialist Eye Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Aim: To investigate the outcomes of patients with retinitis sclopetaria following blunt ocular trauma.
Methods: Patients with retinal breaks associated with retinitis sclopetaria between February 2003 and January 2005 were traced from the surgeon’s records. Demographic data, visual acuity at presentation, posterior segment findings, and presence of retinal detachment and associated posterior vitreous detachment were recorded. The treatment methods were analysed. All the examinations were done by 1 author, who also treated the patients.
Results: Six eyes of 6 patients were diagnosed with retinal breaks associated with retinitis sclopetaria. All patients were men. Two patients with retinal breaks associated with retinitis sclopetaria developed retinal detachment associated with posterior vitreous detachment; these patients were treated surgically. The retinas of 4 patients without posterior vitreous detachment remained flat.
Conclusion: Patients with retinal breaks associated with retinitis sclopetaria, in the presence of posterior vitreous detachment, may develop early retinal detachment.

Key words: Chorioretinitis, Retina, Surgical procedures, operative, Wounds and injuries

Asian J Ophthalmol. 2008;10:19-21.