6.1.12 Flashcards
What is Retinal Detachment?
A medical emergency where the retina separates from the underlying tissue, potentially leading to permanent vision loss.
What are the three main types of retinal detachment?
- Rhegmatogenous Detachment
- Tractional Retinal Detachment
- Exudative Retinal Detachment
What causes Rhegmatogenous Detachment?
A tear or hole in the retina allows fluid to seep underneath, lifting the retina away.
What is Tractional Retinal Detachment?
Occurs when scar tissue pulls the retina away from its normal position, often seen in diabetic retinopathy.
What is Exudative Retinal Detachment?
Fluid accumulates beneath the retina due to inflammation, tumors, or vascular issues without a retinal tear.
What are common symptoms of Retinal Detachment?
- Sudden blurry vision
- Flashes of light (Photopsia)
- Floaters
- Loss of peripheral vision
- Preserved central vision until macula affected
What risk factors increase the likelihood of developing Retinal Detachment?
- Myopia (Nearsightedness)
- Previous retinal detachment
- Family history
- Trauma/Injury to the eye
- Diabetes
- Age (over 50)
What is the recommended action for someone showing symptoms of Retinal Detachment?
Urgent referral to a hospital eye service is necessary, ideally within 24 hours.
What are the management options for Retinal Detachment at the hospital?
- Laser Retinopexy
- Cryotherapy
- Pneumatic Retinopexy
- Vitrectomy
What is Laser Retinopexy?
A procedure using a laser to create burns around the retinal tear, sealing it back to the underlying tissue.
What is Cryotherapy in the context of Retinal Detachment?
Freezing is applied around the retinal tear to create adhesion between the retina and underlying tissue.
What does Pneumatic Retinopexy involve?
Injecting a gas bubble into the eye to press against the detached retina, helping it reattach.
What is Vitrectomy?
A surgical procedure where the vitreous gel is removed and replaced with fluid to help reattach the retina.
How can Retinal Detachment be explained in layman’s terms?
The retina is like wallpaper at the back of the eye that can peel off, leading to vision problems.
What is Shafer’s Sign?
The presence of pigment cells from the retina in the anterior vitreous, indicating a retinal tear or detachment.
What causes Shafer’s Sign?
- Retinal Tear or Hole
- Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment
- Vitreous Syneresis
- Trauma
What does the presence of Shafer’s Sign suggest?
It indicates a retinal tear and potentially a developing rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.
True or False: Not every retinal detachment will exhibit Shafer’s Sign.
True
What technique is used to check for Shafer’s Sign?
The slit lamp technique
This technique involves high magnification and a narrow beam of light focused on the anterior vitreous.
What is the initial step in setting up the slit lamp for Shafer’s Sign examination?
Use a narrow, low intensity slit beam (1-2 mm in width)
The slit lamp should be angled to illuminate the anterior vitreous and posterior chamber.
What should be examined in the anterior vitreous when checking for Shafer’s Sign?
Presence of small pigment granules or black flecks
These indicate retinal pigment epithelium cells in the vitreous due to retinal tears or detachment.
What magnification is typically used to visualize pigment cells during the slit lamp examination?
16x to 25x
High magnification is necessary to better visualize tiny pigment cells.
What additional tools can be used for indirect examination if necessary?
Gonioscopy lens or 90D/78D lens
These are used for viewing the posterior vitreous and retina in greater detail.
What condition is the detection of Shafer’s Sign particularly important for?
Rhegmatogenous retinal detachments
The presence of pigment cells in the vitreous is a strong indicator of this condition.
