Our Summary

The authors of this research paper analyzed data to understand more about retinal detachment in children in the US. They looked at who it happened to and what treatments worked best. Retinal detachment is a condition where the retina (the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye) separates from the rest of the eye.

The researchers found that out of 168,152 cases, 2,200 (1.3%) were in children aged 1 to 17. The average age was almost 13 and 37% were girls. The risk of retinal detachment increased as children got older. Some common risk factors for retinal detachment included nearsightedness (myopia), eye injury, and a history of being born prematurely.

Four main treatment methods were used: laser retinopexy alone (used in 19% of cases), primary vitrectomy (23% of cases), primary scleral buckle (25% of cases), and vitrectomy with scleral buckle (33% of cases). Overall, 73.3% of surgeries were successful the first time.

The researchers found that one treatment - primary scleral buckling, where a band is placed around the eye to push the retina back into place - had the best success rate (79%) compared to the other methods. The success rate for vitrectomy alone (removing the jelly-like substance in the eye) was 64.5%, and for vitrectomy with scleral buckle it was 67.2%. Younger children had worse outcomes overall. The researchers concluded that retinal detachment in children increases with age and that the most effective treatment was primary scleral buckling.

FAQs

  1. What is a retinal detachment and how common is it in children?
  2. What are the common risk factors for retinal detachment in children?
  3. What are the various treatments for retinal detachment and which is the most effective?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about retinal detachment surgery is to follow post-operative instructions carefully to ensure the best possible outcome. This may include avoiding strenuous activities, taking prescribed medications as directed, attending follow-up appointments, and reporting any concerning symptoms to the doctor promptly. Additionally, maintaining regular eye exams and managing any underlying risk factors, such as nearsightedness or previous eye injuries, can help prevent future retinal detachment episodes.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended retinal detachment surgery include those with a history of nearsightedness, eye injury, being born prematurely, or other risk factors for retinal detachment. In the study mentioned above, children aged 1 to 17 with retinal detachment were found to have a higher risk as they got older. Treatment methods such as laser retinopexy, primary vitrectomy, primary scleral buckle, and vitrectomy with scleral buckle were commonly used, with primary scleral buckling showing the highest success rate. Younger children generally had worse outcomes, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment in this patient population.

Timeline

Before retinal detachment surgery, a patient may experience symptoms such as sudden flashes of light, floaters in their vision, or a curtain-like shadow over their field of vision. These symptoms may indicate a retinal detachment and prompt the patient to seek medical attention.

After retinal detachment surgery, the patient may experience some discomfort, redness, or swelling in the eye. They may also need to wear an eye patch or shield for a period of time to protect the eye as it heals. The patient will need to follow up with their doctor regularly to monitor their progress and ensure that the retina remains attached.

Overall, the goal of retinal detachment surgery is to reattach the retina and restore or preserve the patient’s vision. The success of the surgery and the patient’s recovery will depend on factors such as the severity of the detachment, the patient’s overall health, and how quickly the surgery was performed after the detachment occurred.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with retinal detachment surgery in children?
  2. What is the success rate of the specific surgical method recommended for my child’s retinal detachment?
  3. How long is the recovery period after retinal detachment surgery and what can be expected during this time?
  4. Are there any long-term effects or considerations to keep in mind after retinal detachment surgery?
  5. What follow-up appointments or monitoring will be necessary after the surgery?
  6. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions that should be taken to prevent future retinal detachments in my child?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options or therapies that could be considered for my child’s retinal detachment?
  8. How experienced is the surgical team in performing retinal detachment surgeries in children?
  9. Are there any specific factors or conditions in my child’s case that could impact the success of the surgery?
  10. How can we best support my child before, during, and after the retinal detachment surgery?

Reference

Authors: Starr MR, Boucher N, Sharma C, Wakabayashi T, Sivalingam M, Klufas MA, Spirn M, Yonekawa Y. Journal: Retina. 2023 May 1;43(5):717-722. doi: 10.1097/IAE.0000000000003735. PMID: 36728195