Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: Variations in Clinical Presentation and Surgical Outcomes by Socioeconomic Status and Race

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To characterize rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) presentation and repair outcomes by race and socioeconomic status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort one-center study of adults with a new RRD repair from 2012 to 2020. Logistic and linear regression analyses were conducted. RESULTS: 61.7% were male, 84.5% White and 9.4% Black (total n = 1092). 95.8% White and 94.2% Black patients had retinal reattachment ( P = .234). Macula-off status was more likely with Medicare/Medicaid than private insurance (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.11 to 2.41, P = .014); and less likely with higher income (OR 0.88, CI 0.81 to 0.96, P = .003). Black patients had worse best visual acuity (BVA) at presentation and follow-up (follow-up −6.93 letters, CI −13.19 to −0.64, P = .031), and higher odds of postoperative ocular hypertension (OHTN) (OR 2.41, CI 1.28 to 4.60, P = .007). CONCLUSIONS: Despite equivalent retinal reattachment rates, Black patients have worse BVA, and are more likely to develop OHTN than White patients. Macula-off status is less likely in patients with higher income or private insurance. [ Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2022;53:538–545.]