Sustained impact of COVID-19 on primary retinal detachment repair in a tertiary eye hospital from March to December 2020.

Purpose: To review the sustained effect of COVID-19 on rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) baseline characteristics and outcomes. Methods: This was a retrospective consecutive case series at the Birmingham and Midlands Eye Centre including patients undergoing primary RRD repair between 23 March and 31 December 2017-2019 (Group 1) and 2020 (Group 2). The deciles of indices of multiple deprivation (IMD) were determined by postcode to group patients into least deprived (IMD1-5) and most deprived (IMD6-10). Results: In total we reviewed 1310 patients, 1003 in Group 1 and 307 in Group 2. Relative to 2017-2019, during the first lockdown, we observed (a) a reduction in the number of patients with RRD, (b) an increase in macula-off detachments, (c) an increase in RRD primary failure, and (d) that the least deprived had proportionately higher primary failure than the most deprived (p = 0.049) with a higher detachment rate than the pre-COVID-19 period (p = 0.010) and increased presentations of macula-off detachment. During the second lockdown, these differences were not observed. Conclusion: The previously observed findings of lower presentation rates of RRD during the beginning of the first lockdown and the decreased number of macula-on RRD were not sustained over a longer period of observation or found to recur after a second national lockdown. Patients from areas with the least socioeconomic deprivation seemed to be more negatively affected by the first lockdown, with later presentation and higher rates of re-detachments compared with the most deprived during the first lockdown. Our findings offer reassurance that patient behaviour and health services had adapted to the pandemic by the second national lockdown. Supplementary Information: The online version of this article (10.1007/s00717-022-00521-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The Effect of Supervision and Out-of-Hours Surgery on the Outcomes of Primary Macula-On Retinal Detachments Operated by Vitreoretinal Fellows: A Review of 435 Surgeries.

PURPOSE: During bank holidays and weekends (BHWE), many primary macula-on retinal detachments (RD) across the United Kingdom are performed unsupervised out-of-hours by experienced vitreoretinal (VR) fellows. We aimed to determine whether first-year (F1) and second-year (F2) fellows could safely operate out-of-hours independently with remote supervision on primary macula-on RDs. METHODS: This is a retrospective consecutive series of 435 patients attending the Birmingham and Midlands Eye Centre from January 2017 to July 2020. We evaluated (i) 6-month re-detachment rate and (ii) visual outcomes of F1, F2, and consultants during office hours and BHWE as well as the effects of supervision versus non-supervision. RESULTS: For the re-detachment rate, no difference was found between surgeon grade (p = 0.821), whether supervised (p = 1.000), whether BHWE (p = 1.000), unsupervised BHWE and supervised mid-week (p = 0.757), and unsupervised F1 and F2 (p = 1.000), with non-significance maintained on multivariate regression. No difference was detected in the level of supervision (15.7%) between fellow grades during BHWE (p = 0.761) or mid-week (p = 0.295) or between surgeon grade and logMAR letters gained pre-postoperatively (p = 0.834). CONCLUSION: Safe VR services can be provided by experienced VR fellows during office hours, BHWE, supervised, or unsupervised, with similar primary success and visual outcomes to consultants in this patient subgroup. Initial intensive supervision and feedback and a gradual increase in independence is fundamental for VR fellows to gain confidence and become safe independent surgeons.

The use of fluorinated gases and quantification of carbon emission for common vitreoretinal procedures.

PURPOSE: To report the contribution to carbon dioxide equivalent mass [CO2EM] of various types of VR surgery performed across three tertiary referral centres, according to their indication and fluorinated gas used. We secondarily reported on the difference in tamponade choice, and CO2EM between the different centres. MATERIALS: Retrospective, continuous, comparative multicentre study of all procedures using fluorinated gases between 01/01/17-31/12/20 at the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital and Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre, and between 01/01/19-31/12/2020 at the University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire. RESULTS: Across 4877 procedures, the use of fluorinated gases produced 284.2 tonnes (71.2 tonnes annually) CO2EM; an annual consumption of 30,330 l of gasoline. Rhegmatogenous-retinal-detachment (RRD) and macular hole repair had the highest CO2EM by indication, accounting for 191.4 tonnes CO2EM (67.3%) and 28.6 tonnes CO2EM (10.1%); a mean 60.0 kg and 32.0 kg of CO2EM produced per surgery respectively. The use of fluorinated gases and their respective CO2EM contributions were significantly different across all three centres (p < 0.001) for all indications. SF6, despite being used in 1883 procedures (38.6%), contributed to 195.5 tonnes CO2EM (68.8%). Relative to C2F6, procedures using C3F8 and SF6 produced 1.9 and 4.4 times more CO2EM. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that SF6 causes significantly higher carbon emissions relative to C2F6 and C3F8 with RRD and macular hole repair having the greatest environmental impact. We also reported large variations between different large VR centres in fluorinated gas use, and therefore in carbon emission contributions depending on indications for surgery. Evidence-based protocols might help in making VR surgery "greener".

Unexplained visual loss in retinal detachment repair: comparing gas, silicone oil and heavy silicone oil by multivariable regression.

PURPOSE: To measure the proportion of unexplained and all causes of visual loss following primary rhegmatogenous-retinal-detachment (RRD) repair, comparing gas tamponade (SF6, C2F6, C3F8), silicone oil (SO, 1000cs and 5000cs) and heavy silicone oil (Densiron). METHODS: Retrospective, continuous, comparative study from 01/1/2017-31/5/2021. All primary RRDs were included after successful removal of SO and Densiron. Primary failures were excluded. Visual loss was defined as reduction of ≥0.30 logMAR units. Multivariable binary-logistic and linear regression models to compare tamponade, and all cases of unexplained visual loss and logMAR gain were performed. Covariates included age, ocular co-morbidities, pre-op vision, macula-status, high-myopia, giant-retinal-tear (GRT), perfluorocarbon-use, combined buckle/PPV, PVR-C, retinectomy, tamponade agent and post-operative lens status. RESULTS: Of 1,012 primary RRDs, we found an incidence of unexplained visual loss in 15/1012 (1.5%, SF6:1/341[0.3%], C2F6:4/338[1.2%], C3F8:2/239[0.8%], Densiron:0/33[0.0%], SO-1000cs:5/43[11.6%] and SO-5000cs:3/18[16.7%]), and visual loss of all causes in 57/1012 (5.6%, SF6:13/341[3.8%], C2F6:14/338[4.1%], C3F8:15/239[6.3%], Densiron:2/33[6.1%], SO-1000cs:9/43[20.9%] and SO-5000cs:4/18[22.2%]). On multivariable binary-logistic regression, we report that macula-on RRD (Odds-Ratio[OR]5.7,95% Confidence-interval[CI]1.2-28.2, p=0.032), GRT (OR35.0,CI 2.0-617.3, p=0.015), combined buckle/PPV (OR37.7,CI 2.0-711.4, p=0.015), SO1000cs (OR86.6,CI 5.6-1,348.0), p=0.001) and 5000cs (OR37.2,CI 1.3-1,101.5, p=0.036) (Reference-tamponade:SF6) were associated with unexplained visual loss. Duration of oil tamponade was not linked to increase in unexplained visual loss (p=0.569). CONCLUSIONS: Correlation between SO in detachment repairs and unexplained visual loss has been established, however incidence with HSO has not been compared to other agents. This study demonstrates that although SO was linked with risk-adjusted increased unexplained visual loss relative to gas tamponade, no such association was found for Densiron, on multivariable analysis.

Vitreoretinal specialists compared with residents on outcomes of primary laser retinopexy in preventing retinal detachment in 958 eyes.

OBJECTIVE: Retinal tears are the most common vitreoretinal (VR) emergency and retinopexy aims to reduce the risk of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Currently retinal laser is a required competence by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists for residents. We report 6-month detachment rate and repeat retinopexy rate of VR specialists compared with residents. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A retrospective, consecutive study of 958 eyes undergoing primary laser retinopexy (slit lamp or indirect laser) from January 2017-2020 was divided into training level by operator: specialty training (ST) 2-3, ST4-5, ST6-7 and VR specialists. RESULTS: We report an overall 6-month RRD rate in 32/958 (3.3%) (ST2-3: 9/221 (4.1%), ST4-5: 15/373 (4.0%), ST6-7: 2/72 (2.8%) and VR specialists: 6/292 (2.1%)). We additionally report a repeat retinopexy rate of 189/958 (19.7%), (ST2-3: 44/221 (19.9%), ST4-5: 80/373 (21.4%), ST6-7: 16/72 (22.8%) and VR specialists: 49/292 (16.8%)]). Multivariable Cox survival regression analysis showed significant risk factors for developing RRD include male gender (p=0.018), high myopia (≤-6.00 Dioptres, p=0.004), ST2-3 (p=0.022) and ST4-5 (p=0.040) (relative to VR specialists) and by ST6-7, no significance was found (p=0.151). Significantly higher repeat retinopexy rates were associated with horseshoe tears (relative to round holes, p<0.001) and high myopia (p=0.026) with no difference between different training levels. CONCLUSION: There was a decreasing trend in RRD rate following primary retinopexy with increase in training. Although junior residents had a higher RRD rate than VR specialists, it was still favourable relative to other large case series. While there was no difference in subsequent laser retinopexy rate between training levels, the retreatment rate was associated with the type of tear and high myopia.

The impact of COVID-19 on primary retinopexy in preventing retinal detachment in a tertiary eye hospital emergency department.

PURPOSE: To review the effect of COVID-19 on rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) rate following primary retinopexy. METHODS: Retrospective consecutive case series of 183 patients attending Birmingham and Midlands Eye Centre undergoing primary retinopexy (cryotherapy and laser) between March 23rd to June 30th in 2019 (Group 1) and 2020 (Group 2). RESULTS: In total we reviewed 183 retinopexies, 122 in Group 1 and 61 in Group 2, a reduction of 50%. In Group 2 compared to Group 1, we showed a significant difference in characteristics of patients having primary retinopexy with an increase in proportion of male patients from 50 (41.0%) to 39 (63.9%) (p = 0.005), increase in high myopes from 1 (0.8%) to 4 (6.6%) (p = 0.043), more slit lamp laser retinopexy from 83 (68.0%) to 52 (85.2%) (p = 0.013) and less cryopexy from 21 (17.2%) to 2 (3.3%) (p = 0.008). In Group 2, primary retinopexy resulted in significantly more 3-month RRD rate 1 (0.8%) to 5 (8.2%) (p = 0.016). There were no changes in number of patients requiring further retinopexy (p = 1.000). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a reduction of primary retinopexy, an increased risk for RRD following primary retinopexy and a significant shift in type of primary retinopexy performed, demographics, operator and change in characteristics of type of retinal break observed during this pandemic. This study contributes to the growing literature of the secondary effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on other aspects of healthcare that is not just limited to the virus itself.

Primary retinopexy in preventing retinal detachment in a tertiary eye hospital: a study of 1157 eyes.

PURPOSE: Retinopexy is the most common vitreo-retinal procedure performed in the eye emergency department and significantly reduces the risk of a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). There are various indications for retinopexy, with the most common being horseshoe-tears (HST). Multiple treatment techniques exist, ranging from slit-lamp laser-retinopexy, indirect laser-retinopexy or cryopexy. We report on our primary retinopexy 6-month RRD rate, repeat retinopexy rate and compare outcomes of different indications and treatment modalities. METHODS: Retrospective consecutive case series of 1157 patients attending Birmingham and Midlands Eye Centre, UK between January 2017 and 2020. RESULTS: The RRD rate at 6 months was 3.9%, with 19.1% requiring subsequent retinopexies. Multivariate Cox survival regression analysis showed that significant risk factors for RRD following primary retinopexy included male gender (p = 0.012), high myopia (≤ - 6.00D, p = 0.004), HST (compared to round holes, p = 0.026) and primary cryopexy (compared to slit-lamp laser, p = 0.014). HST was the most common indication for retinopexy (812 [70.2%]) in which 118 (14.5%) had multiple tears. Slit-lamp laser was used in 883 (76.3%) of cases. The rate for subsequent epiretinal membrane peel surgery was 3 (0.3%) and was higher in eyes that required multiple retinopexy procedures (p = 0.035). CONCLUSION: With our large cohort of patients over three years, we provide additional evidence on the RRD and subsequent retinopexy rate after primary retinopexy. Further retinopexy is a common occurrence, particularly in high-risk retinal tears such as HST. Strict monitoring and prompt follow-up after retinopexy is important to prevent progression to RRD and should be of priority in the clinicians post-retinopexy management plan, particularly in those with associated risk factors.

Environmental Effect of Fluorinated Gases in Vitreoretinal Surgery: A Multicenter Study of 4,877 Patients.

PURPOSE: To investigate the direct contribution to carbon emissions of fluorinated gases used in all vitreoretinal (VR) procedures utilizing gas tamponade and assess the respective carbon footprint of the three different gas delivery systems. DESIGN: A multicenter, retrospective, environmental impact study. METHODS: All VR procedures using fluorinated gases between 2017 to 2020 at the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital (MREH) and Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre (BMEC) (the second and third largest VR centers in the UK), and between 2019 to 2020 at the University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) were included. CO2 equivalent mass (CO2EM) was calculated from the mass of each gas used, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. RESULTS: A total of 4877 (1883 SF6 [38.6%], 2096 C2F6 [43.0%], and 897 C3F8 [18.4%]) procedures were analyzed. UHCW and BMEC utilized single-use 30 mL and 75 mL cannisters, respectively. MREH used four cylinders of each gas over 4 years (2 kg SF6, 1 kg C2F6, 1 kg C3F8). Mean CO2EM per patient was: MREH 111.8 kg, BMEC 7.5 kg, and UHCW 2.7 kg. For MREH and BMEC, the CO2EM was 73.4 metric tons annually (if all cases were performed with i) 30 mL: 3.7 tons and ii) cylinders: 148.0 tons, x 40-fold difference), equating to 599,400 (30,500-1.2 million) km travelled by a passenger car. The current use of SF6 in VR surgery accounts for 0.11% of total SF6 use; if 30 mL cylinders were exclusively used in the UK, this could be lowered to 0.01%. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the significant waste associated with large gas cylinders and demonstrated that 30 mL cannisters can lead to a marked reduction in carbon emissions, even after accounting for the increased carbon footprint involved in their manufacture and disposal.

Effect of demographics and ethnicity on laser retinopexy in preventing retinal detachment in a tertiary eye hospital in 812 eyes.

PURPOSE: To investigate different baseline characteristics, clinical indications, repeat retinopexy rate, and 6-month detachment rate of primary laser retinopexy across different ethnicities. METHOD: Retrospective, single-centre, consecutive comparative study, looking at all patients who had primary laser retinopexy between January 2017 and 2020. Multivariate Cox survival [reporting hazard ratio (HR)] and binary logistic regression (reporting odds ratio) analyses were performed to investigate differences between ethnicities with age, gender, operator level (vitreoretinal or general ophthalmologist) and high myopia status (≤-6.0 Dioptres) as covariates. RESULTS: We report on 812 patients in three ethnicities: Black [69 (8.5%)], South Asian [SA, 156 (19.2%)] and White [587 (72.3%)] with overall 6-month detachment rate of 31 (3.8%). Rate for subsequent retinopexies was Black: 12 (17.4%), SA: 15 (9.6%) and White: 131 (22.3%), p = 0.002. Multivariate Cox survival regression analysis found no difference in detachment rate between ethnicities. South Asian (SA) had lower repeat retinopexy rate than White patients [HR, 0.40 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.22-0.71, p = 0.002)]. Multivariate binary logistic regression found that Black and SA patients compared with White, have the following: (i) higher proportion of round holes relative to horseshoe tears [OR, 2.31 (95% CI, 1.19-4.49, p = 0.014) and OR, 2.06 (95% CI, 1.25-3.40), p = 0.004, respectively] and (ii) higher proportion of high myopia [OR, 2.99 (95% CI, 1.20-7.46, p = 0.019) and OR, 2.35 (95% CI, 1.11-4.96), p = 0.025, respectively]. Ethnic minorities were younger than White patients: SA [43, interquartile range (IQR), 28-61], Black (49, IQR, 35-57) and White (61, IQR, 54-67 years, p < 0.001) and had more indirect and 360 retinopexy compared with slit lamp (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We demonstrate a significant difference in baseline characteristics, retinal tear morphology and treatment course between the ethnic groups. Further studies are necessary to investigate the genetic and biological differences that may influence these variations and may help to allow for more targeted health care.

Environmental effect of air versus gas tamponade in the management of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment VR surgery: A multicentre study of 3,239 patients.

PURPOSE: To report the potential reduction of carbon emissions by utilising air-tamponade (AT), where possible, instead of fluorinated gases in the management of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). We compared the carbon CO2 emissions produced at two large tertiary referral vitreoretinal (VR) centres where RRD are exclusively repaired using fluorinated gases to a tertiary VR mass of each gas used according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective, continuous, comparative multicentre study of all procedures using fluorinated gases between 01/01/17-31/12/20 at the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital (MREH) and Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre (BMEC), and between 01/01/19-31/12/2020 at the University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW). RESULTS: We report on 3,239 (SF6:1,415 [43.7%], C2F6:1,235 [38.1%], C3F8:541 [16.7%], Air:48 [1.5%]) procedures. UHCW and BMEC utilise single use 30ml and 75ml cannisters, respectively and MREH use multi-use gas cylinders. UHCW used AT in 48 (70%) of RRD repairs. Mean equivalent mass CO2/patient was MREH:115.9kg, BMEC:7.9kg and UHCW:1.9kg. If assuming all centres used 30ml cannisters, the mean equivalent mass CO2/patient was MREH:3.5 kg, BMEC:3.1kg and UHCW:1.9kg. AT enabled UHCW to greatly reduce the need for the most environmentally damaging SF6 gas, leading to lower CO2 emissions by 47.0% and 41.1% compared to MREH and BMEC, respectively. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate how AT vs. the fluorinated gases can reduce in carbon footprint in the management of RRD. Further studies are required to determine the most 'environment-friendly' intraocular tamponade without compromising patient outcomes centre that also routinely employs AT in selected RRD cases.

Outcomes of Heavy Silicone Oil (Densiron) compared to Silicone Oil in primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: a multivariable regression model.

PURPOSE: To measure the visual outcomes, proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and retinectomy rates following primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair, comparing silicone oil (SO) and heavy SO (Densiron). METHODS: Retrospective, continuous comparative study from January 2017 to May 2021 of all primary RRD. Multivariable linear (logMAR gain) and binary-logistic (PVR-C and retinectomy rate) regression models to compare tamponade were performed. Covariates included age, gender, ocular co-morbidities, high myopia, macula-status, giant-retinal-tear (GRT), pre-op vision, PVR-C, oil type, perfluorocarbon-use, combined scleral buckle/vitrectomy, combined phaco-vitrectomy, 360-degrees-endolaser and oil duration. Cases with trauma or less than six-month follow-up were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 259 primary RD were analysed. There were 179 SO patients and 80 Densiron patients that had six-month primary re-detachment in 18 (10.1%) and 8 (10.0%) respectively (p = 1.000). No difference in logMAR gain was detected between tamponade choice on multivariable linear regression. Subsequent glaucoma surgery was 5 (2.8%) and 4 (5.0%) for SO and Densiron patients respectively (p = 0.464). On multivariate binary-logistic regression we found no difference in development of PVR-C between oil tamponades. However, SO had significantly higher subsequent retinectomy rate compared to Densiron (odds ratio 15.3, 95% CI 1.9-125.5, p = 0.011). Duration of oil tamponade was not linked to differences in logMAR gain, PVR-C formation or increased retinectomy rate. CONCLUSIONS: We report no difference in primary anatomical success, number of further RRD surgeries, subsequent glaucoma surgery, visual outcomes, PVR-C between both tamponades on multivariable models. Densiron oil was found to be more retinectomy sparing relative to SO.

Functional and Anatomical Outcomes of Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Epiretinal Membrane in Patients with Uveitis.

Purpose-To evaluate the anatomical and functional outcomes of vitrectomy and epiretinal membrane (ERM) peeling in patients with uveitis. Secondarily, we evaluated the effect of internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling on surgical outcomes, and of surgery on uveitis activity and, thus, therapeutic regime. Methods-Bicentre, retrospective, interventional case series of 29 eyes of 29 consecutive patients affected by uveitis and ERM, that had undergone pars plana vitrectomy with ERM peel between 2012 and 2020, with a minimum postoperative follow-up (FU) of six-months. Demographic data, best-corrected visual-acuity (BCVA), clinical findings, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and macular optical-coherence-tomography scans were reviewed. Results-The mean (standard deviation) duration of follow-up was 32 (22) months. At six-month FU, mean central-retinal-thickness (CRT) significantly improved (from 456 (99) to 353 (86) microns; p < 0.001), and mean BCVA improved from 0.73 (0.3) to 0.49 (0.36) logMAR (p < 0.001), with only one (3%) patient experiencing worsening of vision. The rate of concomitant cystoid macular edema decreased from 19 (66%) eyes at presentation to eight (28%) eyes at final-FU (p = 0.003). Comparing eyes in which ILM peeling was performed in addition to ERM peeling only, BCVA or CRT reduction were comparable. Only a minority of six (21%) eyes had a worsening in uveitis activity requiring additional medications, whereas most patients resumed the same treatment (52%) or received less treatment (28%) (p = 0.673). Conclusions-Vitrectomy with ERM peeling led to favourable anatomical and functional outcomes in patients with uveitis regardless of whether the ILM is peeled or not. As in most patients, no activation of the uveitis requiring additional medications was noted, we do not recommend changes in anti-inflammatory/immunosuppressive therapy postoperatively.

Effect of deprivation and ethnicity on primary macula-on retinal detachment repair success rate and clinical outcomes: A study of 568 patients.

PURPOSE: Socio-economic deprivation and ethnic variation have been frequently linked to poorer health outcomes. We collected a large series of primary macula-on rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) cases and analysed the effect of socio-economic deprivation and ethnicity on both six-month retinal re-detachment rate and visual outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective consecutive case series of 568 patients attending Birmingham and Midlands Eye Centre from January 2017-2020. Multiple Indices of Deprivation (IMD) deciles were used for deprivation status and split to two groups: IMD-A (Decile 1-5) and IMD-B (Decile 6-10). The two largest subgroups of ethnicities were compared, White and South Asians (SA). RESULTS: We report an overall retinal re-detachment rate of 8.5%. IMD-A re-detached significantly more than IMD-B (11.2% vs 6.0% respectively, p = 0.034). No statistical significance was found between White and SA re-detachment rate (9.1% and 5.6% respectively, p = 0.604). SA median age significantly lower at 49 years (IQR: 37-61) compared to White patients at 57 years (IQR: 50-65) (p = <0.001). IMD-A median age of 55 years (IQR: 46-64) was significantly lower to IMD-B median age of 58 years (IQR: 51-65) (p = 0.011). No differences in final visual outcomes were detected across all groups. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated an increased retinal re-detachment rate in our more deprived patients according to IMD and a younger cohort of SA compared to White ethnicity. Further prospective studies are required to demonstrate the link between socio-economic deprivation and surgical success.

External ophthalmoplegia as the presenting feature of systemic amyloidosis.

INTRODUCTION: Amyloidosis is a multi-system disease characterised by the intracellular deposition of beta-pleated sheets of amyloid. It can involve the eye, orbit and ocular adnexae. METHOD: We describe a case of a 58-year-old woman presenting to the eye department with external ophthalmoplegia, including the findings of various investigations. The spectrum of ocular amyloidosis is discussed. CONCLUSION: Amyloidosis may be the underlying diagnosis in some cases of external ophthalmoplegia with findings atypical to other systemic disease.

Effectiveness of emergency argon laser retinopexy performed by trainee physicians: 10 years later.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To reassess (10 years later) outcomes after treatment of retinal tears with argon laser photocoagulation by trainee physicians as an emergency procedure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective case series analysis of 100 consecutive patients treated between September 2010 and September 2011 at a tertiary referral center, compared with the respective findings at the same institution during the period between August 2000 and December 2002. RESULTS: All patients underwent argon laser retinopexy in the casualty department by the on-call trainee. Forty patients (40%) needed further treatment in the form of slit lamp/indirect argon laser retinopexy or cryoretinopexy, and 58 patients (58%) received some vitreoretinal care. At final follow-up, all patients demonstrated anatomically attached retinas. The percentage needing further treatment was significantly increased compared to the relevant percentage 10 years earlier (P = .02). CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of patients required further treatment, and more than half of patients were referred to the vitreoretinal team. Over the years, trainees' indirect ophthalmoscopy and laser retinopexy skills have become progressively inadequate. Further training of junior physicians on indirect laser retinopexy may improve patient care and reduce the inconvenience of repeated visits.