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Trends in ophthalmic surgery in Ireland

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Abstract

Aims

This study was designed to document the changing trends in ophthalmic surgery in acute public hospitals in the Republic of Ireland overtheyears 1994 to 2001.

Method

We obtained Hospital In-Patient Enquiry (HIPE) data returned from the major acute public hospitals to the Economic and Social Research Institute. We searched for cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachment, strabismus, corneal transplant and repair of perforating injuries of the globe.

Results

There was a 24% increase in the total number of the searched operations occurring during the study period, from 8,857 procedures in 1994 to 11,005 in 2001. In 2001, cataract surgery alone counted for 82% of all procedures performed. There was a large increase in cataract (49%) and vitreo-retinal procedures (41%) reported between 1994 and 2001. Conversely, a large fall in trabeculectomy (67%), strabismus (63%) and corneal transplant (52%) procedures occurred during the study period.

Conclusion

These data suggest that surgical numbers in ophthalmology in Ireland are increasing and the relative proportions are changing.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Eccles Street, Dublin 7

    V. W. Long & C. J. O’Brien

Authors
  1. V. W. Long
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  2. C. J. O’Brien
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to C. J. O’Brien.

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Long, V.W., O’Brien, C.J. Trends in ophthalmic surgery in Ireland. Ir J Med Sci 174, 36–39 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03169127

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03169127

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