Retinal Detachment

Question 1

What causes posterior vitreous detachment?

Answer 1

Vitreous collapse (with age)

Benign

Very common

Question 2

Posterior vitreous detachment symptoms

Answer 2

Floaters (vitreous condensations)

Flashes (retinal stimulation from traction)

Question 3

Complications of retinal tear if left untreated

Answer 3

Can allow fluid from vitreous space behind retina so it peels off -> retinal detachment

Question 4

Symptoms of retinal detachment

Answer 4

Black curtain/loss of vision progressing across visual field over hours to days (i.e. not like TIA).

Question 5

Complications of retinal detachment if left untreated

Answer 5

Blindness

Question 6

Risk factors for retinal detachment

Answer 6

Short-sightedness (myopia)

Trauma

Question 7

Examination and fundoscopy findings in retinal detachment

Answer 7

Field loss on examination

RAPD and visible detachment on fundoscopy

Question 8

Management of retinal detachment

Answer 8

Retinal surgery e.g. vitrectomy/cryotherapy/gas