Paediatric retinal detachment: aetiology, characteristics and outcomes

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Surgery
• Pediatric Eye Care

Background:

• Paediatric retinal detachment (PRD) is a rare but serious condition affecting children.
• Understanding the causes, clinical presentations, and outcomes of PRD is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present current data on the aetiology, clinical features, and outcomes of paediatric retinal detachment.
• To analyze surgical management strategies and their success rates in children.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of patients under 16 undergoing surgical repair for retinal detachment (2008-2015).
• Data collected included aetiology, detachment type, macular involvement, number/type of surgeries, and outcomes.
• Surgical outcomes were assessed by retinal attachment and visual acuity.

Main Results:

• 28 eyes of 24 patients (mean age 11.6 years) were analyzed; 50% of detachments were trauma-related.
• 39.3% of cases had associated ocular and/or systemic conditions.
• A mean of 3.0 procedures (range 1-9) were required; complex vitrectomy was common. Anatomical success was achieved in 84.6% of cases.

Conclusions:

• Aggressive management, including re-operation, enhances the likelihood of anatomical success in paediatric retinal detachment.
• External surgical approaches are associated with more favourable visual outcomes when feasible.