Primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: 20 years of change.

AIM: To compare characteristics, management, and outcome of two groups of patients with primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) presenting to the same vitreoretinal unit approximately 20 years apart.

METHODS

124 patients in 1979-80 and 126 cases in 1999 were compared.

RESULTS

More cases were pseudophakic and fewer aphakic in 1999 than 1979-80. More cases of giant retinal tear and fewer dialyses were operated on in 1999. Vitrectomy was a primary procedure in 63% of cases in 1999 but only 1% in 1979-80. Anatomical success rates were statistically similar: 79.8% primary and 88.8% final success in 1979-80, and 84% primary and 93.6% final success in 1999.

CONCLUSION

Surgical management of primary RRD has changed greatly in 20 years. Success rates have changed little, despite availability of differing surgical techniques.