Our Summary

This research aimed to understand the relationship between factors like age, gender, and lens status (whether it’s a natural lens or an artificial one used in cataract surgery) and the success of surgeries for a specific kind of retinal detachment (the retina is the tissue at the back of the eye that senses light).

The researchers looked at the medical records of patients who had undergone this surgery for a simple retinal detachment from 2005 to 2020. They considered the surgery a success if the retina didn’t detach again within three months.

They found that, of the 5502 eyes they studied, the average patient was 61.1 years old. They also noticed that in patients over 40, more men had this type of retinal detachment. They also saw an increase in the proportion of patients with artificial lenses (from cataract surgery) who had retinal detachments over the 15 years they studied.

In the 50-69 age group, they noted that more men had retinal detachments with artificial lenses, and more men also had retinal detachments with their natural lenses.

The researchers found that the surgery was successful in 91.2% of cases overall. However, the success rate was a bit higher in patients with natural lenses who also had cataract surgery at the same time as the retinal detachment surgery.

In summary, the study found that men over 40 and people with artificial lenses are more likely to have this type of retinal detachment, and that doing cataract surgery at the same time as retinal detachment surgery can improve outcomes.

FAQs

  1. What is the correlation between lens status, age, and sex in the success rates of retinal detachment surgery?
  2. Has the proportion of pseudophakic retinal detachment increased over time?
  3. Is the success rate of retinal detachment surgery higher in phakic eyes that undergo combined phacovitrectomy?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about retinal detachment surgery is to follow all post-operative instructions carefully, including avoiding strenuous activities that could put pressure on the eye and attending all follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process. It is also important to report any changes in vision or symptoms such as increased pain or redness to the doctor immediately.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for retinal detachment surgery are those with uncomplicated primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). This study found that the mean age of patients undergoing surgery was 61.1 years, with a male predominance in the age group over 40 years. The percentage of pseudophakic RRD (detachment in eyes that have undergone cataract surgery) has increased over the years, with males more likely to have pseudophakic detachments compared to females. Overall, the primary success rate after one procedure was 91.2%, with higher success rates observed in phakic eyes (those without cataract surgery) that underwent combined phacovitrectomy. This study highlights the importance of considering lens status, age, and sex in the epidemiology and success rates of RRD surgery.

Timeline

Before retinal detachment surgery:

  • Patient experiences symptoms such as sudden onset of floaters, flashes of light, or a curtain-like shadow over their vision
  • Patient undergoes a comprehensive eye exam including visual acuity, pupil dilation, and intraocular pressure measurement
  • Retinal detachment is diagnosed through a dilated eye examination, ultrasound, or optical coherence tomography
  • Patient discusses treatment options with their ophthalmologist, including surgery as the most common treatment for retinal detachment

After retinal detachment surgery:

  • Patient undergoes vitrectomy, scleral buckle, or pneumatic retinopexy surgery to reattach the detached retina
  • Patient may experience some discomfort or blurry vision immediately following surgery
  • Patient is instructed to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for a period of time after surgery
  • Patient attends follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and ensure the success of the surgery
  • Successful outcome is defined as no retinal redetachment occurring within 3 months after surgery

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the success rate of retinal detachment surgery in patients with uncomplicated primary RRD?
  2. How does age and lens status (phakic vs. pseudophakic) affect the outcomes of retinal detachment surgery?
  3. Are there any differences in the success rates of retinal detachment surgery between male and female patients?
  4. What are the potential risks and complications associated with retinal detachment surgery?
  5. What is the recommended post-operative care and follow-up schedule for patients undergoing retinal detachment surgery?
  6. Is combined phacovitrectomy recommended for phakic eyes with RRD to improve anatomical results?
  7. How long is the recovery time after retinal detachment surgery, and when can normal activities be resumed?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions that should be taken after retinal detachment surgery to prevent future complications?
  9. What are the chances of experiencing a redetachment of the retina after successful surgery, and what are the warning signs to watch out for?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options or additional procedures that may be necessary in the future for patients undergoing retinal detachment surgery?

Reference

Authors: Radeck V, Helbig H, Maerker D, Gamulescu MA, Prahs P, Barth T. Journal: Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2022 Oct;260(10):3197-3204. doi: 10.1007/s00417-022-05674-x. Epub 2022 May 2. PMID: 35501490