Description and Analysis of the Influence of Social Support on the Postoperative Evolution of Adult Patients Undergoing Retinal Detachment Surgery

Abstract

Background and Objectives: retinal detachment is an ophthalmological emergency requiring immediate surgical intervention and comprehensive management. This study evaluated the in-fluence of Perceived Social Support (PSS) on postoperative outcomes, including reintervention rates, adherence to recommendations, pain management, and local complications. It was hy-pothesized that higher levels of PSS would be associated with improved postoperative outcomes. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted involving 166 patients who under-went retinal detachment surgery at a tertiary hospital (2022–2024). Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected, and PSS was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) question-naire, which demonstrated a Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient of 0.96. Dependent variables included reintervention rates, adherence, analgesic consumption, and local complications. De-scriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: PSS scores were high (median: 5; SD: 0.55). Adherence rates were excellent (100% at 7 and 15 days; 99.04% at 30 days). Reintervention rates were low (0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% at 7, 15, and 30 days, respectively). The need for additional analgesia significantly decreased (46.43% at 7 days versus 13.33% at 30 days; SD: 6.0 to 3.2). No significant associations were found between PSS and major clinical variables, although higher levels of preoperative anxiety were associated with greater analgesic use (p = 0.041). Conclusions: PSS positively influences adherence and emotional well-being, highlighting its relevance in comprehensive postoperative management. These findings support the integration of tailored psychosocial and educational strategies alongside surgical treatment.