Childhood Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment in is uncommon in childhood, accounting for between 1.7% and 5.7% of all retinal detachment [4, 34]. In a study of 45,000 army recruits, it has been calculated that the age-related annual incidence of retinal detachment in patients aged 10–19 years is 2.9 per 100,000 [32]. Young children and infants do not complain of visual loss and retinal detachment in children frequently presents late or with fellow eye involvement; 22–38% may present with proliferative vitreoretinopathy of grade C or D [2]. Many studies have identified trauma and myopia as predisposing causes of retinal detachment in children. Emphasis is now also placed on the importance of inherited disorders, such as Stickler syndrome, which is associated with a high risk of giant retinal tear and the recognition that myopia, especially congenital myopia, is likely to be an indication of other ophthalmic or systemic abnormalities. Retinal detachment may complicate developmental abnormalities, including colobomata, congenital cataract, congenital glaucoma and retinopathy of prematurity. Congenital retinal detachment, or congenital nonattachment of the retina, is now recognized as part of the spectrum of vitreoretinal dysplasia. Retinoblastoma or other tumours may give rise to a “solid”detachment.Retinal detachment may also result from intraocular infection or inflammation. When considering the aetiology, family history and examination of relatives and, in particular, examination of the vitreous can give valuable information. Children may need careful examination under anaesthesia to determine Childhood Retinal Detachment