Nationwide Trends in Vitreoretinal Procedures within Australia

ABSTRACT

Purpose

To investigate Australian age stratified nationwide trends in vitreoretinal procedures.

Methods

Nationwide retrospective analysis of vitreoretinal procedures in Australia over 2001–2019 using Australian National Hospital Morbidity Database for public and private hospitals. Age and gender-specific trends in selected procedures including pars plana vitrectomy for retinal detachment (PPV for RD), scleral buckle, intravitreal injections, and PPV unrelated to RD were analysed using negative binomial regression.

Results

Total included procedures increased from 8102 in 2001 to 136430 in 2019. Between 2001 and 2019, the incidence per 100,000 persons of PPV for RD increased from 7.5 to 20.7, whilst scleral buckling decreased from 10.5 to 4.0. Similarly, the incidence per 100,000 persons of PPV unrelated to RD increased from 18.4 to 67.1, and intravitreal injections increased from 5.6 to 446.0. The rate of scleral buckling decreased by 6% annually (p < .001), most pronounced in those 40 years and above. In contrast, PPV for RD increased by 5% annually (p < .001), also most pronounced in those aged 40 and above. PPV unrelated to RD increased by 7% annually (p < .001), and intravitreal injections increased by 21.0% annually (p < .001).

Conclusion

Between 2001 and 2019, the rate of scleral buckling declined compared to an increase in PPV for RD. Our analysis suggests an increasing trend to PPV over scleral buckling for RD repair in Australia over the last two decades. Additionally, rates of PPV unrelated to RD and intravitreal injections increased across all age groups. Overall, these trends mirror those seen internationally and reflect changing practice patterns over time.

KEYWORDS:

• Vitrectomy
• retinal detachment
• scleral buckling
• intravitreal injections
• Australia

Acknowledgments

Dr Sun is supported by an NHMRC Early Career Fellowship. No funding was required to produce this report.

Disclosure statement

None of the authors have any proprietary interests or conflicts of interest related to this submission.

Correction Statement

This article has been corrected with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

Dr Sun is supported by an NHMRC Early Career Fellowship. No funding was required for the production of this report.