What is the anatomy of the pars plana
CB starts 1mm from limbus and extends posteriorly for 6mm. Anterior 2mm consists of pars plicata, remaining 4mm flattened pars plana. In order not to endanger either lens/ retina optimal location is 4mm phakic/ 3.5mm pseudophakic.
What is the anatomy of the ora serrata
junction between retina and ciliary body. In RD fusion of sensory retina with RPE and choroid limits forward extension of SRF at the ora. No equivalent adhesions between choroid and sclera and choroidal detachments may progress anteriorly to involve ciliary body (ciliochoroidal detachment)
What are dentate processes
tapering extensions of retina onto pars plana. More marked nasally than temporally and display marked variation in contour
What are ora bays
scalloped edges of pars plana epithelium between dentate processes
What are meridional folds
small radial folds of thickened retinal tissue in line with dentate processes most commonly in superonasal quadrant. A fold may occasionally exhibit a small retinal hole at its apex. A meridional fold is a complex configuration where a dentate process with associated meriodional fold aligned with ciliary process
What are enclosed ora bays
small islands of pars plana surrounded by retina as a result of the meeting of 2 adjacent dentate processes. Should not be mistaken for retinal holes
What is the vitreous base
3-4mm wide zone straddling the ora serrata, throughout which cortical vitreous strongly attached. Following PVD the posterior hyaloid face remains attached at vitreous base. Pre existing retinal holes within the attached vitreous base do not lead to RD. Blunt trauma may cause avulsion of vitreous base with tearing of non pigmented epithelium of pars plana along base’s anterior border and of the retina along the base’s posterior border
What are some innocuous peripheral retinal degenerations
microcystoid (peripheral cystoid) degeneration
paving stone degeneration
reticular (honeycomb) degeneration
peripheral drusen
pars plana cyst
What are the features of microcystoid (peripheral cystoid) degeneration
consist of tiny vesicles with indistinct boundaries on greyish white background making retina appear thickened and less transparent. Degeneration starts adjacent to ora serrata extending circumferentially and posteriorly with smooth undulating posterior border. Present in normal eyes
What are the features of paving stone degeneration
discrete yellow white patches of focal chorioretinal atrophy may have pigmented margins. Typically found between the equator and ora and more common in inferior fundus. present to some extent in at least 25% normal eyes
What are the features of reticular (honeycomb) degeneration
age related change consisting of fine network of perivascular pigmentation that sometimes extends posterior to the equator
What are the features of peripheral drusen
clustered or scattered small pale discrete lesions may have hyperpigmented borders. Similar to drusen at posterior pole and in eyes of older individuals
Where are the sites of vitreous adhesion
vitreous base (very strong)
optic disc margin (Fairly strong)
perifoveal (Fairly weak)
peripheral blood vessels (usually weak)
What are some examples of pathological vitreous adhesions to the retina
lattice degeneration
retinal pigment clumps
cystic retinal tufts
vitreous base anomalies (extensions and posterior islands)
WWOP/ WWP
Zonular traction tufts
VMT
Preretinal new vessels eg PDR
What are some peripheral lesions predisposing to RD
Lattice degeneration
Snailtrack degeneration
Cystic retinal tuft
Degenerative retinoschisis
Zonular traction tuft
WWP
WWOP
Myopic chorioidal atrophy
What is the prevalence of lattice degeneration
present in 8% of the population. Develops in early life seen in moderate myopes. Lifetime risk of RD in person with lattice 1%. Lattice degeneration present in 40% eyes with RD. In these patients RD is caused by premature PVD and tractional tears
What is the pathogenesis of lattice degeneration
Discontinuity of iLM with variable atrophy of underlying NSR. Vitreous overlying area of lattice is synchytic but vitreous attachments around margins exaggerated
What are some signs of lattice degeneration
lattice common bilateral, temporal and superior.
Spindle shaped areas of retinal thinning commonly between equator and posterior border of vitreous base
sclerosed vessels forming a network of white lines characteristic
some lesions associated with snowflakes, remnants of degenerate muller cells
associated RPE hyperplasia
Small holes common
What are some complications of lattice degeneration
do not occur in most eyes with lattice degeneration
- tears may develop due to PVD where lattice seen on flap of tear
- atrophic holes rarely lead to RD. risk is higher in young myopes.
What is the management of lattice degeneration
asymptomatic patients with lattice degeneration does not need prophylactic laser even with retinal holes. Patients warned of RD symptoms.
What are the clinical features of snailtrack degeneration
sharply demarcated bands of tightly packed snowflakes that give the peripheral retina frost white appearance. Can be a precursor to lattice degeneration. Marked vitreous traction seldom present so u tears rarely occur but round holes relatively common. Prophylactic laser unneccessary
What is the prevalence and pathogenesis of degenerative retinoschisis
present in 5% population over 20 years- prevalent in hypermetropes.
RS believed to develop from microcystoid degeneration by gradual coalescence of degenerative cavities resulting in separation or splitting of NSR into outer and inner layers with severing of neurones and complete loss of visual function in affected area. Typical retinoschisis split in OPL but reticular retinoschisis at RNFL
What are the symptoms of degenerative retinoschisis
photopsia/ floaters absent as no VR traction. Rare for patients to notice VF defect even if spreads posterior to equator
Occasionally symptoms from progressive RD/ VH
What are the signs of degenerative retinoschisis
RS bilateral in 80%. Distinction between reticular and typical difficult clinically. Inner layer thinner and more elevated in reticular.
Early retinoschisis- inferotemporal periphery both fundi with smooth immobile dome shaped retinal elevation. Shown on OCT and differentiate from RD
Elevation convex/ thin/ smooth and immobile unlike RD. Thin inner leaf schisis can be mistaken for RD but demarcation lines and secondary cysts absent.
Lesion may progress circumferentially until entire periphery involved/ Typical form remains anterior to equator. Reticular type spread posteriorly. Presence of pigmented demarcation line represent associated RD. Breaks may be present in inner/ outer/ both leaves. Inner breaks small round. Outer larger with rolled edges located behind equator. VF defect absolute rather than relative.