TY - JOUR T1 - Primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: 20 years of change JF - British Journal of Ophthalmology JO - Br J Ophthalmol SP - 546 LP - 548 DO - 10.1136/bjo.85.5.546 VL - 85 IS - 5 AU - Miriam Minihan AU - Vaughn Tanner AU - Tom H Williamson Y1 - 2001/05/01 UR - http://bjo.bmj.com/content/85/5/546.abstract N2 - AIM To compare characteristics, management, and outcome of two groups of patients with primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) presenting to the 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 1999. 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% primary and 88.8% final success in 1979–80, and 84% primary and 93.6% final success in 1999. CONCLUSION Surgical management of primary RRD has changed greatly in 20 years. Success rates have changed little, despite availability of differing surgical techniques. ER -