Primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: 20 years of change

Aim-To compare characteristics, management, and outcome of two groups of pa tients with primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) presenting to t he 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 1 999. 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% pri mary and 88.8% final success in 1979-80, and 84% primary and 93.6% final su ccess in 1999. Conclusion-Surgical management of primary RRD has changed greatly in 20 yea rs. Success rates have changed little, despite availability of differing su rgical techniques.