Socioeconomic impact of simultaneous bilateral rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: A single center analysis

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the reasons for poor visual outcome and the socioeconomic impact of the consequent blindness in patients with simultaneous bilateral rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (SRD). Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was done at a tertiary eye center including patients seen between 2012 and 2014 where 46 eyes in 23 patients with SRD were studied. The postoperative visual outcome and its socioeconomic impact including mean change in annual income, change in occupation before and after blindness, direct costs incurred, and mean years of productivity loss were analyzed. Results: Among the total 190 operated cases of retinal detachment during the study period, 23 (12%) patients had SRD at presentation. Their mean age was 31.9 years, and 57% were males among them. Delayed presentation (average 26 months) and complex detachments (39% Grade C proliferative vitreo-retinopathy) were the prominent features. Thirty-eight of 46 (82%) eyes were operated. Best-corrected acuity of 20/200 was achieved in 62% of eyes. Change of occupation in 78% (18) and >70% decrement in income was noted in 74% (17) of patients. Mean years of productivity loss was 27.6 years. Conclusion: Delayed presentation and complex detachments at diagnosis correlate to poor visual outcomes and social blindness in SRD. This is likely to impart a negative effect on their family and social life, occupation, and income.

Keywords

• Bilateral retinal detachment
• simultaneous rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
• socioeconomic impact
• visual outcomes