OBJECTIVETo explore the diagnosis, classification, and management of uveal effusion syndrome (UES).

METHODSThe clinical data of 10 patients diagnosed with UES in our hospital between 1990-2010 were extracted from hospital records and analyzed, including ophthalmologic examination, ophthalmologic ultrasonography, ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), fundus fluorescence angiography (FFA), indocyanine green (ICG) angiography, surgical procedures, and outcomes.

RESULTSThe fundus examination of all impacted eyes showed bullous retinal detachment shifting with head position, confirmed by ultrasonography revealing retinal and choroidal detachment. UBM showed annular peripheral ciliochoroidal detachment in all cases. FFA was performed in 5 patients and revealed leopard spots without leakage from choroid into subretinal space. ICG angiograpy was performed in 3 patients and demonstrated diffused granular marked hyperfluorescence in the choroidal fluorescence in the very early phase, which increased with time and persisted until the late phase. Four eyes of 2 patients underwent full-thickness sclerectomies and 1 eye of 1 patient underwent subscleral sclerectomy, all of whom achieved reattachment of the retina without recurrence during 1-year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONSComprehensive preoperative evaluation, including ophthalmologic ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, is crucial for accurate classification of UES and selection of proper management strategy. Surgical treatment can achieve optimal clinical outcomes for type 1 and type 2 UES.