At a glance
Trends in rates of retinal surgery in England
El-Amir et al analysed routinely collected hospital statistics to describe trends over time and geographical variation in rates of vitreo-retinal surgery in England (1968–2004). Annual admission rates (per 100 000 population) for surgery were about five episodes in the 1960s, rising gradually to about 10 in early 1990s, and then more sharply to 30 by 2004. Multiple admissions per person were rare, confirming that the observed increase was real. Annual rates (2004) for buckle procedures declined to about 6 episodes whereas vitrectomy surgery rose to about 26 episodes. The authors also demonstrated statistically significant geographical variation in the current annual rate of surgery between local authorities in England. See page 1585
Vision-related quality of life and visual function following surgery for macular hole
Fukuda et al evaluated the relationship between vision-related quality of life (VR-QOL) and visual function in 32 patients undergoing vitrectomy, gas tamponade and cataract surgery for macular hole (MH). The 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25) was self-administered preoperatively …
