retinal detachment

Question 1

what is retinal detachment?

Answer 1

-when the retina separates from the choroid underneath usually due to a retinal tear that allows vitreous fluid to get under the retina and fill the space between the retina and the choroid

Question 2

why is a detached retina a medical emergency?

Answer 2

as the outer retina relies on the blood vessels of the choroid for its blood supply and in retinal detachment it becomes detached from the choroid

Question 3

how does a detached retina present?

Answer 3

• painless
• peripheral vision loss (often very sudden and like a shadow coming across their vision)
• blurred or distorted vision
• flashes and floaters

Question 4

what are risk factors for retinal detachment?

Answer 4

• posterior vitreous detachment
• diabetic retinopathy
• trauma to the eye
• retinal malignancy
• older age
• family history