Anatomical and visual outcome of retinal detachment surgery in children.

AIMS To evaluate the visual and anatomical outcome, as well as complications following surgery, for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in children at a tertiary referral centre over a 5 year period. METHODS A retrospective survey of all children (aged 0-16 years) who underwent primary retinal detachment surgery at Queen's Medical Centre between April 1994 and March 1999. RESULTS 15 consecutive patients were identified with a mean follow up of 14.7 months (range 3-57) and a mean age of 12.4 years. Trauma was the cause in 40% (6/15). Complete retinal reattachment was achieved in 86.6% (13/15). Visual improvement occurred in 53.3% (8/15), worsening of vision occurred in 13.3% (2/15), with no change in the remaining 33.3% (5/15). Visual acuity was D 6/12 in 6.6% (1/15) preoperatively, and 26.6% (4/15) postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS Retinal detachment in children is rare compared with adults. There are therefore limited data available for this group of patients. These data provide one unit's experience over a 5 year period, and may help provide a basis for information for patients and their parents when discussing the risks and potential benefits of surgery for retinal detachment in the paediatric population.