cambridge eye trust

Cambridge Prophylactic Protocol, Retinal Detachment and Stickler Syndrome In contrast to many other blinding retinal disorders, retinal detachment is relatively common and potentially preventable if those at risk are more accurately identified. It is a common misconception that retinal detachment occurs secondary to boxing or other direct trauma. In fact, this is rarely the case. The Vitreoretinal Research Group (Clinical Neurosciences / John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair) have been investigating the genetic risk factors for retinal detachment, particularly in children where retinal detachment can be devastating for life-long visual loss. In collaboration with colleagues from the MRC Epidemiology Unit (Institute of Metabolic Science), the extended outcome data for prophylaxis against retinal detachment in Stickler syndrome are now reported in the New England Journal of Medicine . Matched unilateral untreated controls had an 8.0 fold RD risk of retinal detachment compared to those receiving prophylaxis. They matched bilateral untreated controls had 6.4-fold risk of retinal detachment compared to those receiving bilateral prophylaxis. The study cohort reported is larger than the rest of the world literature reports combined and demonstrates clearly that the Cambridge prophylaxis protocol is highly effective at preventing retinal detachment in these patients.