To assess macular function by multifocal electroretinography after reattachment of macula-off retinal detachment and to evaluate relationship between duration of macular detachment (DMD) and functional recovery.

Nineteen patients (19 eyes) with macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment underwent pneumatic retinopexy or scleral buckling. Retinal reattachment was obtained successfully in all patients. Duration of follow-up of all patients is at least more than 12 months. Eyes were divided into 2 groups, corresponding to the DMD : Group A (within 7 days, n =9 eyes), Group B (>7 days, n =10 eyes). The amplitudes and implicit times of N1-wave and P1-wave of mfERGs in Area 1 (Ring 1), Area 2 (Ring 1+2) were compared between Group A and B and between Group A and control group.

The P1 amplitudes in Area 1 and 2 were significantly different between Group A and B ( P <0.05). N1 amplitudes in Area 1 were significantly different between Group A and B ( P <0.05), but no significant difference of P1 amplitudes in Area 2 between Group A and B ( P >0.05). There were no significant difference of all data between Group A and control in Area 1 and 2 ( P >0.05) The implicit times of N1, P1 were not significantly different between Group A and B.

The DMD plays a key role in recovery of visual function after reattachment. The mfERG is a useful tool to evaluate the recovery of macular function after reattachment of macula-off retinal detachments.