Retinal detachment Flashcards
What is retinal detachment?
Retinal detachment occurs when the neurosensory tissue that lines the back of the eye comes away from its underlying pigment epithelium.
Is retinal detachment reversible?
Yes, it is a reversible cause of visual loss, provided it is recognised and treated before the macula is affected.
What happens if retinal detachment is left untreated?
It will inevitably lead to permanent visual loss.
List some risk factors for retinal detachment.
- Diabetes mellitus
- Myopia
- Age
- Previous surgery for cataracts
- Eye trauma (e.g., boxing)
How does diabetes mellitus contribute to retinal detachment?
It occurs as a result of breaks in the retina due to traction by the vitreous humour.
What are the common features of retinal detachment?
- New onset floaters or flashes
- Sudden onset, painless visual field loss
- Curtain or shadow progressing to the centre of the visual field
What does the presence of floaters or flashes indicate?
They indicate pigment cells entering the vitreous space or traction on the retina.
What happens if the macula is involved in retinal detachment?
Central visual acuity and visual outcomes become much worse.
What may be the result of a detached macula on visual acuity?
Central acuity may be reduced to hand movements.
What test may highlight a relative afferent pupillary defect?
The swinging light test.
What are some findings during fundoscopy in retinal detachment?
- The red reflex is lost
- Retinal folds may appear as pale, opaque, or wrinkled forms
What should be done if a patient has new onset flashes and floaters?
They should be referred urgently (<24 hours) to an ophthalmologist.
What assessments should an ophthalmologist conduct for suspected retinal detachment?
- Slit lamp examination
- Indirect ophthalmoscopy for pigment cells and vitreous haemorrhage
