Our Summary

This research examined whether where people live and their gender affect their treatment for a specific eye condition, rhegmatous retinal detachment (RD), in Japan. They looked at medical records of over 2,500 patients aged 40 and up from five different regions in Japan. They found that certain treatments like phacovitrectomy (a surgery combining cataract and vitreous removal), general anesthesia, and air-tamponade (a procedure where gas or air is injected into the eye to help it heal) were used more often in some regions than others. They also found that men in the Kyushu region were more likely to have surgery within a week of their diagnosis, even after taking into account other factors that could influence this. Despite these differences in treatment, they found no significant differences in how well patients recovered. However, they did find that women in certain regions were less likely to get surgery quickly after being diagnosed with RD.

FAQs

  1. What was the objective of the research conducted on rhegmatous retinal detachment (RD) in Japan?
  2. What were the main findings of the research concerning regional and gender differences in RD treatment?
  3. Did the differences in treatment affect the patients’ recovery outcomes according to the research?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about retinal surgery is to follow all post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure a successful recovery. This may include taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, avoiding strenuous activities, and protecting the eye from injury. Additionally, it is important to report any changes in vision or symptoms to the doctor immediately. By following these guidelines, patients can improve their chances of a positive outcome after retinal surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended retinal surgery include those with rhegmatous retinal detachment (RD), which is a serious eye condition where the retina becomes detached from the underlying tissue. Retinal surgery is often recommended for patients with RD to reattach the retina and prevent permanent vision loss. Other conditions that may require retinal surgery include macular holes, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vascular diseases. Retinal surgery may also be recommended for patients with severe eye trauma or tumors affecting the retina.

Timeline

Before retinal surgery:

  • Patient experiences symptoms such as flashes of light, floaters in vision, or sudden loss of vision.
  • Patient visits their eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam and is diagnosed with retinal detachment.
  • Patient undergoes various tests such as ultrasound or optical coherence tomography to determine the extent of the detachment.
  • Patient discusses treatment options with their ophthalmologist, which may include surgery to repair the detachment.

After retinal surgery:

  • Patient undergoes retinal surgery, which may involve techniques such as scleral buckling, vitrectomy, or pneumatic retinopexy.
  • Patient may require post-operative care, including follow-up appointments and monitoring of vision and eye pressure.
  • Patient may experience some discomfort or blurry vision in the days following surgery.
  • Over time, the patient’s vision may gradually improve as the retina heals and reattaches.
  • Patient continues to follow up with their ophthalmologist to monitor their progress and address any complications or concerns.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the different treatment options available for retinal detachment?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with retinal surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery process after retinal surgery?
  4. What is the success rate of retinal surgery for treating retinal detachment?
  5. Will I need to undergo any additional procedures or follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  6. How experienced are you in performing retinal surgery?
  7. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take before or after the surgery?
  8. How will my vision be affected after the surgery, and what are the chances of regaining full vision?
  9. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that I should consider?
  10. Are there any specific factors, such as gender or location, that may affect my treatment plan for retinal surgery?

Reference

Authors: Funatsu R, Terasaki H, Sakamoto T; Japan Retinal Detachment Registry study group. Journal: Sci Rep. 2021 Oct 18;11(1):20611. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-00186-w. PMID: 34663850