Retinal detachment (RD) complicated in acute retinal necrosis (ARN) is difficult to be treated and a main cause of blindness. The factors associated with RD in ARN were investigated.

Patients with ARN who were diagnosed and treated from Jan, 2008 to Dec, 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. The eyes were classified into the group I without RD, and the group II with RD. Early vitrectomy, history of ARN in the other eye, extent of necrosis, symptom duration and intravitreal injection of anti-viral drug were evaluated.

Of 22 eyes of 20 patients, 11 eyes were included in each group. Symptom duration of 8.0 days in the group I was shorter than 15.8 days in the group II ( p = 0.005). There were no macular involvement at initial exam in the group I and 5 eyes (45%) in the group II ( p = 0.017). Five eyes (45%) in the group I and 0 eye (0%) in the group II had history of ARN in the other eye ( p = 0.017). Six eyes (55%) in the group I and 1 eye (9%) in the group II underwent early vitrectomy ( p = 0.031). Age, baseline visual acuity, and intravitreal injection of antiviral agent were not related to RD ( p = 0.294-0.699).

Broader necrosis and longer symptoms duration were related to occurrence of RD. Correlation of Lower risk of RD with ARN history in the other eye would result from earlier diagnosis and treatment. Early vitrectomy seems to be effective to prevent RD in ARN.