Clinical Presentations and Outcomes of Pediatric Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: 11 Years’ Experience at a Tertiary Eye Center

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Pediatric rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) represents a challenge for ophthalmologists and vitreoretinal surgeons. In this study, we aim to review the clinical features, and surgical and visual outcomes of pediatric RRD in a tertiary referral center. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study using the review of charts for all patients who presented to King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 2005 to 2016. This study included patients 18 years old or younger, had undergone surgical repairs for RRD, and were followed up for 1 year or more. Results: Eighty-nine eyes of 70 children who underwent surgical repair for RRD were included in the current retrospective study. A previous history of intraocular surgeries was present in 31.5%. The majority of cases had known ocular disease or syndromes (n = 58, 65.2%). The majority of eyes which had a primary surgical intervention achieved anatomical success (n = 88). Corneal complications accounted for the majority of complications following primary and secondary surgical interventions. Forty-two percent of the eyes had vision better than 20/200, while thirty-five percent had vision of hand motion or worse. Conclusions: In conclusion, despite the variability in causes of RRD in children, successful anatomical outcomes can be achieved with the proper surgical approach. Visual outcomes are less predictable due to other ocular complications.