Acute Visual Disturbances Flashcards
What is a posterior vitreous detachment?
When the vitreous membrane separates from the retina
Is vitreous detachment common?
Yes very and it is caused by natural degeneration of the vitreous gel, 75% of over 65’s develop it
What are the symptoms of Vitreous detachment?
Sudden floaters, flashes of light, blurred vision, cobweb effect
What is the treatment of vitreous detachment?
No medical treatment as generally gets better on its own, if severe then surgery can be used to remove the vitreous humour
What is a vitreous haemorrhage?
When blood leaks into the vitreous cavity through mechanical rupture or pathological vessels
What causes vitreous haemorrhage?
Diabetic retinopathy, posterior vitreous detachment, ocular trauma
What are the symptoms of vitreous haemorrhage?
Patient may be able to see blood floating around, sudden painless visual loss, red hue to vision
What is the treatment of vitreous haemorrhage?
Treat under lying cause, Pars Planus Vitrectomy or repair of the retinal tear, Anti-VGEF injections to inhibit neovascularisation
What is Retinal Detachment?
When the retina pulls away from the choroid layer
What causes retinal detachment?
Usually due to age related degeneration of the retina but is more likely in very short sighted and can also be caused by trauma
What are the symptoms of retinal detachment?
Sudden floaters and flashes, blurred/distorted vision, black curtain across the visual field
What is the treatment for retinal detachment?
Pars planus vitrectomy to remove the fluid and replace with a silicone/gas bubble to hold the retina in place
What is a vascular occlusion of the retina?
Blockage of either the arterial or venous supply to the retina
What causes vascular occlusion?
Hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, smoking etc
What are the symptoms of vascular occlusion?
Amourosis Fugax, curtain comes down over visual field but is quickly restored
