Retinal Detachment Flashcards
What is retinal detachment?
The retina separates from the choroid underneath
What is retinal detachment 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.
What are the possible risk factors for retinal detachment?
- Posterior vitreous detachment
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Trauma to the eye
- Retinal malignancy
- Older age
- Family history
How does retinal detachment present?
- Peripheral vision loss.
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Flashes and floaters
How is the peripheral vision loss described in someone with retinal detachment?
Sudden onset, painless and progressive visual field loss,
Like a curtain or shadow progressing to the centre of the visual field from the periphery
What is the management of someone presenting with suspected retinal detachment?
Urgently referred (<24 hours) to an ophthalmologist
How is retinal detachment diagnosed?
With a slit lamp and indirect ophthalmoscopy
What would be found on examination of someone with retinal detatchement?
Reduced peripheral visual fields
Reduced central acuity
Loss of red-light reflex on fundoscopy
What is the surgical management plan for someone with retinal detachment?
correction of the retinal tear
correction of the retinal detachment
What is the outcome of a retinal tear correction?
Adhesions are created between the retina and the choroid
What is the outcome of a retinal detachment correction?
Reattachment of the retina and reduce any traction or pressure that may cause it to detach again
What are the management options of a retinal tear?
- Laser therapy
- Cryotherapy
What are the management options of a retinal detachment?
- Vitrectomy (main)
- Scleral buckling
- Pneumatic retinopexy
When should you suspect retinal detatchment?
Sudden onset vision loss
No trauma or pain
Unilateral erythematous red eye
Flashes in peripheral vision
What are the main RF for retinal detachment?
Age > 40 years
Previous eye surgery
Trauma
Myopia (short-sightedness).
