Background and study aims The retina is the layer at the back of the eye that allows us to see. Sometimes, it can detach from the wall of the eye, causing a condition called rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), which leads to vision loss and requires surgery. The most common surgery for RRD is vitrectomy, but this can lead to complications like cataracts, which worsen over time and need to be removed with another surgery. Cataract surgery involves replacing the cloudy lens with a clear artificial one. Currently, it's unclear whether it's better to perform both surgeries at the same time or separately. The COMBAT study aims to find out which approach is best by comparing the outcomes of patients who have vitrectomy alone versus those who have both surgeries (vitrectomy and cataract surgery by phacoemulsification and intraocular lens \[IOL\] implantation) together. Who can participate? Adults aged 50 and older who have RRD but are not highly myopic (less than -6 diopters or an axial length of 26.5 mm or less) and have not had previous vitreoretinal surgery. Participants must be scheduled for a pars plana vitrectomy to repair their RRD. What does the study involve? Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group will have vitrectomy first and, if needed, cataract surgery later; the other group will have both surgeries at the same time. The study will compare their vision, the number of successful retina reattachments, health related and visual related quality of life, patient satisfaction, complications, additional surgeries and procedures, and costs.
Age range
50 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Best-Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA)
Timeframe: 52 weeks (+/- 6 weeks) after surgery