Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026
Retinal Pigment Epithelium Transplantation in a Non-human Primate Model for Degenerative Retinal Diseases
Published on: June 14, 2021
Evaluation and management of pediatric rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
Adam S Wenick1, David E Barañano
1Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States.
Insights
Pediatric rhegmatogenous retinal detachment is rare and often linked to trauma or genetic conditions, unlike adult cases. Management is challenging due to unique pediatric eye anatomy and late presentations.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Genetics
Background:
- Pediatric rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is uncommon, comprising <10% of all RRD cases.
- Unlike adults, pediatric RRD is frequently associated with trauma, congenital abnormalities, or genetic syndromes, rather than posterior vitreous detachment.
- Unique anatomical features of pediatric eyes, late disease presentation, and high incidence of bilateral pathology complicate management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology of pediatric rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.
- To discuss genetic syndromes associated with a high incidence of retinal detachment in children.
- To outline an approach to the evaluation and management of pediatric RRD and describe expected outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on pediatric rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.
- Analysis of causes including trauma, congenital abnormalities, and genetic syndromes.
- Examination of diagnostic and management strategies specific to pediatric patients.
Main Results:
- Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in children has distinct etiologies compared to adults.
- Genetic syndromes significantly increase the risk of retinal detachment in the pediatric population.
- Effective management strategies exist, but challenges related to pediatric eye anatomy and presentation persist.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the unique causes and challenges of pediatric RRD is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.
- Genetic counseling and screening are important for children with specific syndromes.
- Despite challenges, surgical repair of pediatric retinal detachment can achieve favorable outcomes with appropriate management.
Abstract:
Pediatric rhegmatogenous retinal detachments are rare, accounting for less than ten percent of all rhegmatogenous retinal detachments. While most retinal detachments in the adult population are related to posterior vitreous detachment, pediatric retinal detachment are often related to trauma or an underlying congenital abnormalities or genetic syndrome. The anatomy of pediatric eyes, the often late presentation of the disease, and the high incidence of bilateral pathology in children all pose significant challenges in the management of these patients. We discuss the epidemiology of pediatric rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, review the genetic syndromes associated with a high incidence of retinal detachment, and examine other common causes of retinal detachment in this age group. We then outline an approach to evaluation and management and describe the expected outcomes of repair of retinal detachment in the pediatric population.
