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Primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: 20 years of change
M Minihan1, V Tanner, T H Williamson
1Vitreoretinal Unit, Department of Ophthalmology, St Thomas's Hospital, Lambeth Palace Road, London SE1 7EH, UK. miriamm@freeuk.com
Aim:
To compare characteristics, management, and outcome of two groups of patients with primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) presenting to the same vitreoretinal unit approximately 20 years apart.
Methods:
124 patients in 1979-80 and 126 cases in 1999 were compared.
Results:
More cases were pseudophakic and fewer aphakic in 1999 than 1979-80. More cases of giant retinal tear and fewer dialyses were operated on in 1999. Vitrectomy was a primary procedure in 63% of cases in 1999 but only 1% in 1979-80. Anatomical success rates were statistically similar: 79.8% primary and 88.8% final success in 1979-80, and 84% primary and 93.6% final success in 1999.
Conclusion:
Surgical management of primary RRD has changed greatly in 20 years. Success rates have changed little, despite availability of differing surgical techniques.