Non-complicated retinal detachment management: variations in 4 years. Retina 1 project; report 1

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Surgery
• Public Health

Background:

• Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD) management has evolved.
• Assessing temporal variations in RD characteristics and treatment is crucial for understanding practice changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the characteristics and surgical management of non-complicated rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RD) in Spain across two distinct time periods (1999-2001 vs. 2004-2006).

Main Methods:

• A prospective, multicentric, non-randomised comparative study involving 339 consecutive RD cases across five hospitals.
• Data on 83 variables, including preoperative characteristics, surgical approach (vitrectomy rate), and postoperative outcomes, were collected and analyzed.
• Statistical comparisons utilized Mann-Whitney U tests, contingency tables, and logistic regression analysis.

Main Results:

• A significant increase in primary vitrectomy for RD was observed in the later period (78.4% vs. 30.1%).
• Despite the increased vitrectomy rate, overall reattachment rates remained high (over 94%) in both groups.
• Pseudophakic RD cases showed improved anatomical outcomes in the later period.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights an increasing trend towards primary vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.
• This trend is not associated with increased case complexity or improved overall anatomical success rates.