Effect of a combined physiotherapeutic approach on changes in functional parameters after endovitreal surgery of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with a favorable anatomical outcome

Objective. The study evaluated the effect of combined physiotherapeutic treatment (CPT) on changes in functional retinal parameters after endovitreal surgery of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) with a favorable anatomical outcome. Material and methods. The study included 42 patients (42 eyes) diagnosed with primary macula-off RRD with the duration of up to 30 days. After surgical treatment, which included vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade, the patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 included 23 patients who received a course of CPT on day 5 after surgery; the course comprised respiratory heliox therapy by inhalation of the helium-oxygen mixture Heliox 21, containing 21% O2 and 79% He. After 15 min, endonasal electrophoresis was performed with application of a 1% Semax solution for 10 min once daily; the course consisted of 8 procedures. Group 2 included 19 patients who received nasal instillations of 0.1% Semax drops starting on day 5 after surgery. The follow-up period was 12 months, with control examinations on day 7 and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. The functional effectiveness of the treatment was analyzed by data of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and macular light sensitivity, as well as by changes in central retinal thickness and ganglion cell complex. Results. Patients in group 1 showed a higher level of recovery of functional BCVA and fundus microperimetry parameters compared with patients in group 2 by month 6 of the follow-up. Conclusion. The proposed combination of methods is effective and promising for the rehabilitation of patients after endovitreal surgical treatment of RRD, as it promotes more effective recovery of visual function and reduces the risk of complications.