Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
Retinal Detachment Model in Rodents by Subretinal Injection of Sodium Hyaluronate
Published on: September 11, 2013
Paediatric vs adult retinal detachment
S Rumelt1, L Sarrazin, E Averbukh
1Department of Ophthalmology, Western Galilee - Nahariya Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel.
Insights
Retinal detachment differs significantly between children and adults in causes and types. Adult retinal detachment surgery generally yields better outcomes, necessitating tailored treatments for pediatric cases.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal diseases
- Pediatric ophthalmology
Background:
- Retinal detachment (RD) is a critical condition affecting vision.
- Understanding differences between pediatric and adult RD is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the causes, incidence, characteristics, and treatment outcomes of pediatric versus adult retinal detachment.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of 2408 consecutive retinal detachments was performed.
- 136 pediatric cases (under 18) were compared with 50 adult cases (over 18).
- Key parameters included RD type, cause, extent, macular involvement, surgical interventions, and visual/anatomical outcomes.
Main Results:
- Rhegmatogenous RD was less frequent, while exudative RD, ocular trauma, and ocular syndromes were more common in children.
- Myopia and posterior vitreous detachment were less common causes in the pediatric group.
- Adults showed higher rates of initial and final visual acuity and complete retinal reattachment.
Conclusions:
- Significant differences exist in RD type, causes, and surgical outcomes between pediatric and adult populations.
- Less successful outcomes in children may stem from distinct etiologies.
- Aetiology-specific treatment strategies are essential for improving pediatric RD management.
Objective:
To evaluate the causes, incidences, characteristics, and treatment outcomes of paediatric vs adult retinal detachment.
Patients And Methods:
One hundred and sixty (136 patients) out of 2408 consecutive retinal detachments (6.6%) at our facility occurred in children under the age of 18 years. Of them, 144 eyes (90%) of 127 (93%) children were treated and compared with a sample of 56 consecutive retinal detachments in 50 adults (over the age of 18 years). The parameters for comparison included cause, type of retinal detachment, its extent, macular involvement, number of tears, number and types of surgery, and the anatomic and functional surgical outcome.
Results:
Statistically significant differences were found in the type of retinal detachment. Rhegmatogenous RD was less common (P=0.004), and exudative RD was more common (P=0.021) in the paediatric group. Ocular trauma and ocular syndromes were more common in the paediatric group (P<0.001), while myopia, posterior vitreous detachment, and retinal detachment following cataract surgery were less common in this group compared with adults (P<0.001, <0.001, and 0.001, respectively). Ocular pathologies associated with retinal detachment were more common in the paediatric group (P<0.001). Initial and last visual acuity of >20/400, last visual acuity of >20/40, and retinal complete reattachment were higher in adults (P<0.001).
Conclusions:
The type of retinal detachment, causes and outcomes were statistically different between paediatric and adult cases. The less successful functional and anatomical outcomes of retinal detachment surgery in children may reflect the different aetiologies and indicate the need for aetiology-specific treatment strategies according to each aetiology.
