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The aetiology of paediatric rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: 15 years experience
R W J Lee1, E J Mayer, R H Markham
1Department of Clinical Science at South Bristol, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
Insights
Trauma is the leading cause of paediatric rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) in the UK, with high myopia and other conditions also contributing. Early detection and peripheral retinal examination are crucial for managing RRD in children.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Paediatric Ophthalmology
- Retinal Diseases
Background:
- Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) in children is uncommon but can lead to significant vision loss.
- Understanding the aetiology of paediatric RRD is essential for timely diagnosis and management.
- Contemporary data on RRD causes in the UK paediatric population is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present current data on the causes of paediatric rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).
- To analyze predisposing factors for RRD in children within the UK.
- To compare current findings with historical data on paediatric RRD aetiology.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series analysis.
- Inclusion of paediatric patients (0-16 years) treated for RRD.
- Data collection from Bristol Eye Hospital between 1990 and 2004.
Main Results:
- Eighty-eight eyes of 82 children were analyzed.
- Male predominance observed (73%).
- Key aetiological factors: trauma (53%), associated conditions (27%), high myopia (17%).
- Idiopathic RRDs constituted 19%, often infero-temporal dialyses.
- Macular detachment present in 66% of eyes at diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- The primary causes of paediatric RRD remain consistent over decades.
- Decreased prevalence of RRD from congenital cataracts, retinopathy of prematurity, uveitis, and glaucoma suggests improved management.
- Geographical variations in myopia and referral patterns may influence RRD demographics.
- Thorough peripheral retinal examination is recommended for children with eye injuries to rule out dialyses.
Purpose:
To provide contemporary data on the aetiology of paediatric rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) in the UK population.
Methods:
Retrospective case series.
Results:
Eighty-eight eyes in 82 patients (aged 0-16 years) were treated for RRD at Bristol Eye Hospital between 1 January 1990 and 31 December 2004. Seventy-three per cent of patients were male and the main predisposing factors were trauma (53%), associated conditions (27%), and high myopia (17%). Nineteen per cent of RRDs were idiopathic, and the majority of these were due to infero-temporal dialyses. The macula was detached on presentation in 66% of eyes.
Conclusions:
The principal causes of paediatric RRDs have not changed over the past 40 years. Those due to congenital cataracts, retinopathy of prematurity, uveitis, and glaucoma are now less prevalent, presumably reflecting advances in their management. Differences with other contemporary series may arise from geographical variation in the prevalence of myopia and other associated conditions, as well as institutional referral patterns. Full examination of the retinal periphery is advised for children with eye injuries (to exclude dialyses).
