Our Summary

This research paper looked at how often people in England were admitted to hospital for problems with their retinas detaching from the back of their eye, between the years 2000 and 2018. It also looked at how often a certain kind of surgery was done to fix this. The researchers used data from England’s health service and the UK’s Office for National Statistics.

They found that the number of people admitted to hospital for retinal detachment problems increased significantly from 2000 to 2018. The number of certain surgeries done to fix this also increased fourfold, while another type of surgery decreased.

The increase in hospital admissions and surgeries may be because more people are getting cataract surgery, living longer, and having more problems with nearsightedness (all of which can lead to retinal detachment). It could also be due to more people being aware of the problem and seeking treatment, better access to healthcare, and better reporting practices in hospitals.

FAQs

  1. What period did the research paper study the frequency of hospital admissions for retinal detachments in England?
  2. What reasons are suggested for the increase in hospital admissions and surgeries for retinal detachment between 2000 and 2018?
  3. How might cataract surgery, longer lifespan, and issues with nearsightedness contribute to an increase in retinal detachment cases?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about retinal detachment surgery is to follow the post-operative instructions carefully to ensure a successful recovery. This may include avoiding strenuous activities, taking prescribed medications as directed, attending follow-up appointments, and reporting any unusual symptoms or changes in vision to your doctor promptly. It is important to protect your eyes from injury and to not rub or put pressure on the eye while it is healing. By following these instructions, you can help maximize the chances of a successful outcome following retinal detachment surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended retinal detachment surgery are those who have experienced symptoms such as sudden flashes of light, floaters in their vision, or a curtain-like shadow over their visual field. They may have been diagnosed with a retinal tear or detachment through a dilated eye exam, optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging, or ultrasound imaging.

Additionally, patients who are at a higher risk for retinal detachment, such as those with a history of eye trauma, a family history of retinal detachment, or certain eye conditions like lattice degeneration or high myopia, may also be recommended for surgery to prevent further complications.

Overall, retinal detachment surgery is typically recommended for patients who are at risk of permanent vision loss if the detached retina is not reattached promptly. The decision to undergo surgery is made on a case-by-case basis by an ophthalmologist based on the individual’s specific symptoms, risk factors, and overall health status.

Timeline

Before retinal detachment surgery:

  • Patient may experience symptoms such as sudden flashes of light, floaters in their vision, or a curtain or shadow covering part of their vision
  • Patient may visit an eye doctor who will perform a dilated eye exam to confirm the detachment
  • Patient may undergo imaging tests such as a retinal scan or ultrasound to determine the extent of the detachment
  • Patient may be advised to undergo retinal detachment surgery to prevent permanent vision loss

After retinal detachment surgery:

  • Patient will undergo the surgery, which may involve techniques such as pneumatic retinopexy, scleral buckle, or vitrectomy
  • Patient may need to wear an eye patch or shield for a period of time after the surgery
  • Patient will be advised to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for a period of time to prevent complications
  • Patient will have follow-up appointments with their eye doctor to monitor their recovery and ensure the retina has properly reattached
  • Patient may experience temporary blurred vision, sensitivity to light, or discomfort after the surgery, which should improve over time.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about retinal detachment surgery include:

  1. What is the specific type of surgery that you recommend for my retinal detachment?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. What is the success rate of this surgery in terms of restoring vision and preventing further detachment?
  4. How long is the recovery period after the surgery and what can I expect in terms of discomfort or restrictions?
  5. Will I need any follow-up appointments or additional treatments after the surgery?
  6. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take to reduce the risk of future retinal detachment?
  7. How experienced are you in performing this type of surgery and what is your success rate?
  8. Are there any alternative treatments or surgical options available for my specific case?
  9. What is the overall prognosis for my vision after undergoing this surgery?
  10. Are there any specific warning signs or symptoms I should watch out for that may indicate a recurrence of retinal detachment after surgery?

Reference

Authors: Madi HA, Keller J. Journal: Eye (Lond). 2022 Aug;36(8):1610-1614. doi: 10.1038/s41433-021-01647-2. Epub 2021 Jul 21. PMID: 34290443