[Prevention of retinal detachment in Vorarlberg]

Since the eye department in Feldkirch is the only surgical eye department in Vorarlberg, it is possible to survey all patients from within a geographically defined area and draw conclusions from the morbidity of certain retinal degenerations concerning the percentage distribution in the population as a whole. In this paper, peripheral retinal degenerations are analyzed with regard to frequency of occurrence, symptoms, age and sex distribution as well as localization on the fundus. The prophylactically treated eyes are compared with all cases of ablatio retinae which occurred during the same period. The need for treatment of peripheral retinal degenerations and the efficacy of such treatment are discussed.