EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF RETINAL DETACHMENT IN THE BRAZILIAN PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM IN ALAGOAS OVER THE LAST 5 YEARS

Abstract

Introduction: Retinal detachment (RD) is an ophthalmological emergency and a significant cause of preventable blindness in adults, with a risk of irreversible vision loss if timely treatment is not provided. In Brazil, especially in the Northeast and Alagoas, epidemiological data within the Unified Health System (SUS) are still limited, despite the growing demand for specialized services. Objective: To analyze the epidemiology of RD in the Brazilian public health system (SUS) in Alagoas between 2021 and 2025. Methods: This is a retrospective, quantitative, and descriptive ecological study using secondary data from the Brazilian Unified Health System's Hospital Information System (SIH/SUS). Hospitalizations due to RD (ICD-10: H33) in the state of Alagoas were analyzed, considering municipality, establishment, type of service, age group, gender, and race/ethnicity. Results: During this period, RD accounted for 57.6% of ophthalmological hospitalizations in Alagoas, with a strong concentration in Maceió (99.9%), with the Instituto de Olhos de Maceió being the establishment with the highest percentage (69.0%). Elective care predominated (98.3%). Hospitalizations were more frequent in individuals aged 60 or older (50.5%), in males (54.4%), and in the mixed-race population (90.5%). Conclusion: The results reveal a progressive increase in hospitalizations due to RD in Alagoas, with a concentration of care in referral centers in the capital. These positive results can guide external public policies towards early diagnosis, decentralization of care, and qualification of the ophthalmological network.