AIM:To compare the effects of external approach microsurgery and conventional external approach surgery for retinal detachment(RD).

METHODS: From January 2010 to January 2013, 60 patients(60 eyes)in our hospital were randomly divided into experimental group(29 cases, 29 eyes)and control group(31 cases, 31 eyes), the external approach microsurgery and conventional external approach surgery were performed respectively(by the same skilled doctor). Retinal reattachment rate, visual acuity improvement rate and operative time were compared between two groups.

RESULTS: It cost shorter time for the external approach microsurgery than that of conventional external approach surgery(P=0.0087). The once successful retinal reattachment rate in experimental group was 93%(27 cases), which was higher than that in control group(90%, 28 cases), there was no statistical difference. The vision improvement rate in control group was 86%(25 cases), compare to 90%(28 cases)in experimental group, there was no statistical differences.

CONCLUSION: No statistical differences showed in visual acuity improvement and the once retinal reattachment rate between the two groups for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. However, it is believed that external approach microsurgery could be faster, easier to learn with satisfactory effect.