Purpose: To evaluate the effects of prophylactic vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) risk and visual outcome in acute retinal necrosis (ARN).
Methods: A systematic search of online databases was performed for articles published between 1994 June and 2020 March. The main outcomes that were assessed by a fixed effects model were RRD risk and visual outcome during a follow up period.
Results: A total of 7 trials involving 265 eyes (121 prophylactic vitrectomy eyes vs 144 routine antiviral treatment eyes) were analyzed in this study. RRD risk significantly decreased in the prophylactic vitrectomy group compared to the routine antiviral treatment group (P < .001, OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.16-0.46, I2 = 35.3%). Significantly deteriorated visual outcome was observed in the prophylactic vitrectomy group in comparison with the routine antiviral treatment group (P < .001, WMD = 0.47, 95%CI: 0.26-0.67, I2 = 32.2%).
Conclusion: This meta-analysis of retrospective cohort studies revealed that prophylactic vitrectomy could reduce the risk of RRD. The silicone oil tamponade and long-term complications may result in deteriorated visual outcome.
Keywords: Acute retinal necrosis; meta-analysis; prophylactic vitrectomy; rhegmatogenous retinal detachment; visual outcome.