Retinal Detachment

Question 1

What is the pathophysiology of retinal detachment?

Answer 1

Retina separates from choroid, usually due to a retinal tear which allows vitreous fluid to get under retina and fill space between retina and choroid.

Question 2

Why is retinal detachment an emergency?

Answer 2

Because it separates the retina from the choroid which is the retinas blood supply.

Question 3

What are the risk factors for retinal detachment?

Answer 3

1. Posterior vitreous detachment
2. Diabetic retinopathy
3. Trauma to the eye
4. Retinal malignancy
5. Older age
6. Family history

Question 4

What is this a presentation of:
Painless, peripheral vision loss (sudden, like a curtain coming across vision), blurred/distorted vision, flashes and floaters?

Answer 4

Retinal detachment

Question 5

What is the treatment for retinal tear and what is the aim of treatment?

Answer 5

Laser therapy/cryotherapy - create adhesions between retina and choroid to prevent detachment

Question 6

What are the treatment options for retinal detachment, how do they work, and what is the aim of treatment?

Answer 6

Aim to reattach retina to choroid.

1. Vitrectomy - removal of parts of vitreous body and replacing with oil/gas.
2. Scleral buckling - using silicone buckle to apply pressure to outside of eye to bring choroid in.
3. Pneumatic retinopexy - gas bubble injection into vitreous body, positioning patient so bubble creates pressure pressing retina against choroid.