Data Duplication and Errors in Large Medical Data Sets: A Case Study in the IRIS® Registry.

Publication/Presentation Date

1-1-2026

Abstract

PURPOSE: To investigate entry errors and data duplication within the American Academy of Ophthalmology IRIS® Registry (Intelligent Research in Sight) utilizing cataract surgery (CS), neodymium-doped: yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) capsulotomy, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic retinopathy (DR) records.

DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS: Patients in the IRIS Registry.

METHODS: We collected records of CS and YAG capsulotomy with specified laterality within the IRIS Registry (years 2013-2023), identifying eyes having >1 record and eyes having ≥1 record

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: For CS and YAG capsulotomy, we measure the proportion of eyes having >1 procedure record, having >1 record only on the initial procedure date, and having ≥1 procedure record on a date after the first entry. For DR and AMD, we measure the proportion of eyes reverting to an earlier stage after starting at a later stage and the proportion reverting to an earlier stage after transitioning to a later stage.

RESULTS: Of the 14 718 896 CS-treated eyes, 30.9% had duplicates, with 5.5% having

CONCLUSIONS: Data duplication in large medical data sets necessitates caution when analyzing repeated procedures or relapsing conditions. Addressing problematic errors requires transparency and communication amongst stakeholders across organizations. Within the IRIS Registry, the results indicated an association between the first record's originating practice and data errors, providing an investigative entry point for upstream data stewards.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES: Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Volume

6

Issue

1

First Page

100933

Last Page

100933

ISSN

2666-9145

Disciplines

Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

PubMedID

41140906

Department(s)

Administration and Leadership

Document Type

Article

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