[Analysis of 100 cases of retinal detachment treated with conventional surgery in the years 1997-1998].

PURPOSE: The observed increasing number of severe cases of retinal detachment was the ground of the attempt to state the causes of this phenomenon. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective evaluation of 100 consecutive cases of retinal detachment operated on with conventional methods between September 1997 and October 1998 was performed. The following data were analysed: sex and age of patients, period between the first symptoms and time of diagnosis and surgery. The clinical characteristics of retinal surgery comprise: extent of detachment, macular involving, type and number of breaks, degenerations and PVR. RESULTS: In the majority of cases very severe retinal detachments were observed, including 3-4 quadrants, with large tears or multiple breaks, with PVR B or C. Duration of the detachment ranged from several days in very few cases to several months, on average lasting several weeks. Attachment of the retina was achieved in 80 cases, improvement of the visual acuity in 47. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate the necessity to improve the early diagnosis of retinal detachment and changes predisposing to its development.