Authors: (including presenting author): :
Lee CO(1)(2), Au CL(1)(2), Leow PL(1)(2)
Affiliation: :
(1)Department of Ophthalmology, Tung Wah Eastern Hospital, (2)Department of Ophthalmology, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital
Keyword 2: :
Retinal Detachment
Keyword 3: :
Demand Surge
Keyword 4: :
Service Response
Keyword 5: :
Preparedness
Introduction: :
Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition that can lead to permanent visual loss. Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment is the most common type of retinal detachment and is associated with retinal tear or break. Early and timely surgery is always required to treat the condition and prevent complications. Seasonality of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with summer peaks has been observed in some countries. During warmer period, ultraviolet light-induced free radical injury and changes in vitreous consistency with accelerated liquefication could be the predisposition for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. As retinal detachment surgery requires specially-trained vitreoretinal surgeon to perform, demand surge in retinal detachment surgery highly affects manpower and operating theatre slot allocation. Therefore, detection of seasonal variation is crucial in advance preparation for timely service response.
Objectives: :
We aim to examine the seasonal variability of incidence of idiopathic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in two public hospitals in Hong Kong.
Methodology: :
Records of adults who underwent rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair surgery in Department of Ophthalmology, Tung Wah Easten Hospital and Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital from 2015-2024 were reviewed. Cases with re-detachment, combined tractional retinal detachment, macular hole, history of recent eye trauma, recent or complicated cataract surgery or unknown symptoms duration were excluded. Month of incidence was recorded based on symptom onset. Chi-squared test was used for analysis.
Result & Outcome: :
Among the 440 cases, 173(39%) were females, 251(57%) involved right eye, 173(39%) were macula-on rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and 376(85%) were phakic. Average age was 57.19±11.02. Incidence was highest in summer (n=119; 27%), followed by autumn (n=109; 25%), spring (n=106; 24%) and winter (n=106; 24%). However, no statistically significant difference was observed between seasons (p=0.792). There was no difference in seasonal variability for male (p=0.272) or female (p=0.448) subgroup; and pre-retirement (age≤60)(p=0.546) or post-retirement (age>60)(p=0.614) subgroups. No drop or surge in incidence was observed in pre-, peri- or post-COVID-19 period. Incidence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in public hospitals in Hong Kong peaks in warmer seasons but no statistically significant seasonal variation was observed. Hong Kong’s subtropical climate has less apparent seasonal temperature difference. Highly urbanised lifestyle with more indoor activities in air-conditioned environment and less ultraviolet exposure suggests a lesser effect on vitreous. It is reassuring that demand surge does not exist.
