Retinal Detachment

Question 1

What is retinal detachment?

Answer 1

Retina separates from the choroid underneath, usually due to a retinal tear which allows vitreous fluid to fill the space between retina and choroid (blood supply to the retina stopped)

Question 2

What are risk factors for retinal detachment?

Answer 2

• Posterior vitreous detachment
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Trauma
• Retinal malignancy
• Older age
• Family history

Question 3

How does retinal detachment present?

Answer 3

• Peripheral visual loss: often sudden and like a shadow across vision
• Blurred or distorted vision
• Flashes and floaters

Question 4

How is retinal detachment managed?

Answer 4

• Same day referral to ophthalmology
• Tears can be treated with laser therapy/cryotherapy to create adhesions between retina and choroid
• Detachment requires reattaching with vitrectomy, scleral buckling or pneumatic retinopexy