Retinal Detachment

Question 1

What is retinal detachment?

Answer 1

Detachment of the neurosensory layer of retina from the retinal pigment epithelium

Usually caused by retinal tears which cause vitreous humour to get under neurosensory layer, separating the layers

Question 2

Why is retinal detachment an emergency?

Answer 2

Neurosensory retina gets blood supply from blood vessels in choroid
Retinal detachment disrupts blood supply leading to photoreceptor damage
Making it sight threatening

Question 3

Risk factors for retinal detachment?

Answer 3

Lattice degeneration
Posterior vitreous detachment
Trauma
Diabetic retinopathy
Retinal malignancy
Family history

Question 4

Symptoms of retinal detachment?

Answer 4

Sudden peripheral vision loss (shadow coming across vision)

Blurred/distorted vision

Flashes

Floaters

Question 5

Management of retinal detachment?

Answer 5

Immediate ophthalmology referral with painless flashes/floaters
Manage retinal tears by making adhesions between retina and choroid via laser therapy/cryotherapy

Manage RD by reattaching retina via vitrectomy, scleral buckle, or pneumatic retinopexy