Survey of Ophthalmology
Volume 49, Issue 1 , Pages 96-108, January 2004

Subretinal fluid in primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: physiopathology and composition☆

  • J.-C Quintyn, MD

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationReprint address: Dr JC Quintyn, Department d'Ophtalmologie, Hôpital Rangueil, 1 avenue Jean Poulhes, 314003 Toulouse, Cedex 4, France.
    • ,
  • G Brasseur, PhD

      Affiliations

1Department d'Ophtalmologie, Hôpital Rangueil, Toulouse, France; and 2Department d'Ophtalmologie, Hôpital Charles Nicolle, Rouen, France

EDWARD COTLIER AND ROBERT WEINREB, EDITORS

Abstract 

During retinal detachment, subretinal fluid is present, whose composition and physiopathology are still little known. Under normal conditions, osmotic and oncotic pressures help keep the retina in place, but the main retinal attachment force is provided by active transport in the pigment epithelium. Subretinal fluid composition varies according to detachment duration; total protein concentration in subretinal fluid increases with time. In addition, all proteins are qualitatively modified. The detached retina loses its oxygen supply, and it then uses the anaeorbic pathway to degrade glucose. Thus, long-duration retinal detachments feature increased lactic acid and dextrose concentrations. Phospholipids are also increased in subretinal fluid, reflecting retinal degradation. This review presents data on the physiopathology and composition of the subretinal fluid in retinal detachments.

Keywords:  composition, physiology, rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, subretinal fluid

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☆ The authors reported no proprietary or commercial interest in any product mentioned or concept discussed in this review.

PII: S0039-6257(03)00125-5

doi:10.1016/j.survophthal.2003.10.003

Survey of Ophthalmology
Volume 49, Issue 1 , Pages 96-108, January 2004

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