Long-Term Anatomic and Visual Outcomes of Surgery for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment in Young Adult Patients

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Surgery
• Public Health

Background:

• Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) in young adults requires evaluation of long-term surgical outcomes.
• Identifying factors influencing visual and anatomic success in this demographic is crucial for treatment planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess long-term anatomic and visual results of primary surgical repair for RRD in young adults.
• To determine predictors of successful visual and anatomic outcomes following RRD surgery.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 238 young adult patients undergoing primary RRD repair.
• Data collected included demographics, pre-operative factors, surgical techniques (scleral buckle, vitrectomy), and post-operative outcomes.
• Statistical analyses included ANOVA, t-tests, chi-square, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.

Main Results:

• Overall single-surgery anatomic success at 12 months was 80.3%, with scleral buckle (SB) showing high efficacy (82.4%).
• Median best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved significantly from preoperative (≈20/40) to postoperative (≈20/30).
• Primary SB and macula-on status were linked to better BCVA; most failures occurred within the first year.

Conclusions:

• Primary surgical repair of RRD in young adults provides favorable long-term anatomic and visual outcomes.
• Scleral buckling is an effective surgical option for this patient group.
• Regular fellow-eye surveillance is recommended due to the risk of subsequent interventions.