Retinal Detachment Flashcards
What is retinal detachment?
Separation of the neurosensory retina from the underlying retinal pigment epithelium, leading to vision loss.
What are the types of retinal detachment?
Rhegmatogenous, tractional, and exudative (serous).
What is rhegmatogenous retinal detachment?
Detachment caused by a retinal tear, allowing vitreous fluid to accumulate underneath the retina.
What is tractional retinal detachment?
Detachment caused by fibrous or vascular tissue pulling on the retina, often seen in proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
What is exudative retinal detachment?
Detachment caused by fluid accumulation under the retina without a tear, often due to inflammation or tumours.
What are the common symptoms of retinal detachment?
Sudden onset of floaters, flashes of light (photopsia), and a shadow or curtain over the visual field.
What are the risk factors for retinal detachment?
High myopia, trauma, prior eye surgery, family history, and diabetes.
What is the pathophysiology of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment?
A retinal tear allows vitreous humour to leak under the retina, separating it from the pigment epithelium.
What are the clinical signs of retinal detachment?
Reduced red reflex, retinal elevation on fundoscopy, and retinal tears or holes.
What are the investigations for suspected retinal detachment?
Fundoscopy, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and B-scan ultrasonography if the retina is not visible.
What is the urgency of treating retinal detachment?
Retinal detachment is an ophthalmic emergency requiring urgent referral to prevent permanent vision loss.
What are the differential diagnoses for retinal detachment?
Posterior vitreous detachment, vitreous haemorrhage, and central retinal vein occlusion.
What is the conservative management for retinal detachment?
There is no conservative management; urgent surgical intervention is required.
What are the surgical options for retinal detachment?
Pneumatic retinopexy, scleral buckle, and pars plana vitrectomy.
What is pneumatic retinopexy?
A gas bubble is injected into the vitreous to press the retina back into place, used for simple detachments.
What is a scleral buckle?
A silicone band is placed around the eye to indent the sclera and reduce traction on the retina.
What is pars plana vitrectomy?
Surgical removal of the vitreous gel to relieve traction and allow reattachment of the retina.
What are the complications of untreated retinal detachment?
Permanent vision loss, retinal scarring, or proliferative vitreoretinopathy.
What is proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR)?
A complication where scar tissue forms on the retinal surface, causing traction and redetachment.
What is the prognosis for treated retinal detachment?
With prompt treatment, most patients recover good vision; however, delays can result in worse outcomes.
What lifestyle advice is given to patients at risk of retinal detachment?
Avoid activities that increase eye trauma risk and seek immediate care for new floaters or flashes.
What are floaters, and why do they occur in retinal detachment?
Floaters are shadows cast by vitreous debris, often caused by posterior vitreous detachment or retinal tear.
What is the role of laser photocoagulation in retinal detachment?
It is used to seal retinal tears and prevent progression to detachment.
What systemic conditions increase the risk of retinal detachment?
Diabetes, inflammatory conditions, and connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome.
Why are regular eye exams important for high-risk individuals?
Early detection of retinal tears or other issues can prevent progression to detachment.
