Clinical Study
Eye (2008) 22, 636–640; doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6702724; published online 9 February 2007
The aetiology of paediatric rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: 15 years experience
This work has not been previously presented at a meeting
Conflicts of Interest: None
R W J Lee1, E J Mayer1 and R H Markham2
- 1Department of Clinical Science at South Bristol, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- 2Bristol Eye Hospital, Bristol, UK
Correspondence: RH Markham, Bristol Eye Hospital, Opthalmology, United Bristol Healthcare Trust, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol BS1 2LX, UK Tel: +44 (0)117 928 4600; Fax: +44 (0)117 928 4686. E-mail: richard.markham@ ubht.nhs.uk
Received 19 April 2006; Accepted 23 December 2006; Published online 9 February 2007.
Abstract
Purpose
To provide contemporary data on the aetiology of paediatric rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) in the UK population.
Methods
Retrospective case series.
Results
Eighty-eight eyes in 82 patients (aged 0–16 years) were treated for RRD at Bristol Eye Hospital between 1 January 1990 and 31 December 2004. Seventy-three per cent of patients were male and the main predisposing factors were trauma (53% ), associated conditions (27% ), and high myopia (17% ). Nineteen per cent of RRDs were idiopathic, and the majority of these were due to infero-temporal dialyses. The macula was detached on presentation in 66% of eyes.
Conclusions
The principal causes of paediatric RRDs have not changed over the past 40 years. Those due to congenital cataracts, retinopathy of prematurity, uveitis, and glaucoma are now less prevalent, presumably reflecting advances in their management. Differences with other contemporary series may arise from geographical variation in the prevalence of myopia and other associated conditions, as well as institutional referral patterns. Full examination of the retinal periphery is advised for children with eye injuries (to exclude dialyses).
Keywords:
child, adolescent, eye injuries, degenerative myopia, retinal detachment, risk factors

