Unit 6 - Retinal detachments

Question 1

What are the risk factors for developing a retinal detachment?

Answer 1

1. Myopia
2. Cataract surgery
3. Trauma
4. ROP
5. Stickler’s syndrome

Question 2

What are the symptoms of PVD?

Answer 2

1. Temporal flashes, monochromatic
2. Small black dots - blood

Question 3

What conditions should be considered in young patients complaining of constant photpsia?

Answer 3

MEWDS
AZOOR

Question 4

What types of RD are there?

Answer 4

1. Rhegmatogenous (associated with a tear)
2. Exudative (due to inflammation)
3. Tractional either PVD or PVR (post RD surgery)

Question 5

What two types of surgery are used?

Answer 5

1. Vitrectomy
2. Buckling

Question 6

What proportion of symptomatic PVDs will have a tear?

Answer 6

25%
College of Optometry says 10-15%

Question 7

What are the 5 causes of tears?

Answer 7

1. PVD (99%)
2. Trauma (globe compression in young)
3. Pathology i.e. CMV, ARN
4. Myopic round holes
5. Traction (DR, macular hole)

Question 8

What proportion of symptomatic breaks will lead to a RD?

Answer 8

50%

Question 9

What are the steps in RD surgery?

Answer 9

1. Port insertion
2. Infusion
3. Vitrectomy
4. Treatment
5. Search
6. Tamponade
7. Remove ports

Question 10

How long does it take for retinal cryotherapy, cautery or laser to glue retina together?

Answer 10

Scar takes 7-10 days to form

Question 11

How long does air last in the air when used as a tamponade?

Answer 11

1 week

Question 12

How long does SF6 and C3F8 last in the eye as a tamponade?

Answer 12

SF6 - upto 3 months
C3F8 - 3 months