Retinal Detachment Flashcards
1
Q
What is retinal detachment?
A
Retina separates from the choroid underneath, usually due to a retinal tear which allows vitreous fluid to fill the space between retina and choroid (blood supply to the retina stopped)
2
Q
What are risk factors for retinal detachment?
A
- Posterior vitreous detachment
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Trauma
- Retinal malignancy
- Older age
- Family history
3
Q
How does retinal detachment present?
A
- Peripheral visual loss: often sudden and like a shadow across vision
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Flashes and floaters
4
Q
How is retinal detachment managed?
A
- Same day referral to ophthalmology
- Tears can be treated with laser therapy/cryotherapy to create adhesions between retina and choroid
- Detachment requires reattaching with vitrectomy, scleral buckling or pneumatic retinopexy
