Retinal detachment

Question 1

Retinal detachment

Answer 1

Where the retina separates from the choroid underneath

Question 2

Cause of retinal detachment

Answer 2

Usually due to a retinal tear that allows vitreous fluid to get under the retina and fill the space between the retina and the choroid

Question 3

Risk factors for retinal detachment

Answer 3

Posterior vitreous detachment

Diabetic retinopathy

Trauma to the eye

Retinal malignancy

Older age

Family history

Question 4

Complications of retinal detachment

Answer 4

Sight threatening

Question 5

Presentation of retinal detachment

Answer 5

Painless

Peripheral vision loss - sudden and like a shadow coming across the vision

Blurred or distorted vision

Flashes and floaters

Question 6

Management of retinal detachment

Answer 6

Immediate referral to ophthalmology for assessment and management.

Create adhesions between the retina and choroid:

• Laser therapy
• Cryotherapy

Reattaching:
- Vitrectomy

• Scleral buckling
• Pneumatic retinopexy

Question 7

Scleral buckling

Answer 7

Using a silicone “buckle” to put pressure on the outside of the eye (the sclera) so that the outer eye indents to bring the choroid inwards and into contact with the detached retina.

Question 8

Vitrectomy

Answer 8

Removing the relevant parts of the vitreous body and replacing it with oil or gas.

Question 9

Pneumatic retinopexy

Answer 9

Injecting a gas bubble into the vitreous body and positioning the patient so the gas bubble creates pressure that flattens the retina against the choroid and closes the detachment