Asymmetric Visual Outcomes in Bilateral Non-Neovascular Serous Pigment Epithelial Detachments: Case Report
10.21561/jor.2026.11.1.64
- Author:
Hak Jun LEE
1
;
Jayoung AHN
Author Information
1. Seoul Bom Eye Clinic, Incheon, Korea
- Publication Type:CASE REPORT
- From:
Journal of Retina
2026;11(1):64-68
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:We report a unique case of bilateral non-neovascular serous pigment epithelial detachments (nnSPEDs) in a single patient that resolved through two different mechanisms—an extrafoveal retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) tear and spontaneous collapse—resulting in asymmetric visual outcomes.Case summary: A 78-year-old male was followed for bilateral nnSPEDs. The right eye developed an RPE tear outside the fovea, which led to the resolution of the nnSPED and a visual acuity improvement from 20/30 to 20/25. In contrast, the left eye underwent spontaneous collapse of the nnSPED without an RPE tear, resulting in a decrease in visual acuity from 20/30 to 20/70 and associated photoreceptor damage.
Conclusions:This case demonstrates that the resolution of an nnSPED via a timely, extrafoveal RPE tear can lead to a favorable functional outcome by draining sub-RPE fluid before irreversible photoreceptor damage occurs. In contrast, spontaneous collapse may represent a late-stage event following significant RPE and photoreceptor injury. The mechanism, timing, and location of nnSPED resolution are critical in determining the final visual prognosis.
