Retinal Detachment

Question 1

what happens during a retinal detachment

Answer 1

the sensory retina separates from the retinal pigment epithelium

Question 2

list the 3 main symptoms of a retinal detachment

Answer 2

• floaters
• flashes
• shadow/veil across vision

Question 3

what is the reason for the retina to detach from the RPE

Answer 3

because of a tear or hole in the retina which allows fluid to leak between the retinal layers

Question 4

what are the 2 causes of a Rhegmatogenous RD

Answer 4

• holes that occur through the ageing process

- tears due to a blow to the head or vitreous gel becoming detached from the retina (PVD)

Question 5

what causes a tractional retinal detachment

Answer 5

fibrous scar tissue which pulls on the retina

Question 6

list 4 risk factors of a retinal detachment

Answer 6

• myopia over -6D
• trauma to the head
• have RD in other eye
• FH of RD

Question 7

list the 3 treatment options for a retinal detachment

Answer 7

• pneumonic retinopexy
• scleral buckling
• vitrectomy

Question 8

explain how a pneomonic retinopexy treatment is carried out

Answer 8

Gas bubble surgery:

• bubble is injected into vitreous which presses the retina back
• bubble is slowly absorbed into the eye over the weeks
• will need to maintain certain posture

Question 9

explain how a scleral buckling treatment is carried out

Answer 9

• attach a silicone or sponge to outside of the eye
• this causes the inside of the eye to buckle inwards, pressing the retina onto the RPE
• cyrotherapy or laser is used to seal the area around the detachment

Question 10

when will you chose to carry out a vitrectomy treatment for a px with RD

Answer 10

when there is scarring and bleeding in the vitreous

Question 11

how is a vitrectomy carried out

Answer 11

replace the vitreous with clear solution or a bubble which puts the retina back on