what happens during a retinal detachment
the sensory retina separates from the retinal pigment epithelium
list the 3 main symptoms of a retinal detachment
- floaters
- flashes
- shadow/veil across vision
what is the reason for the retina to detach from the RPE
because of a tear or hole in the retina which allows fluid to leak between the retinal layers
what are the 2 causes of a Rhegmatogenous RD
- holes that occur through the ageing process
- tears due to a blow to the head or vitreous gel becoming detached from the retina (PVD)
what causes a tractional retinal detachment
fibrous scar tissue which pulls on the retina
list 4 risk factors of a retinal detachment
- myopia over -6D
- trauma to the head
- have RD in other eye
- FH of RD
list the 3 treatment options for a retinal detachment
- pneumonic retinopexy
- scleral buckling
- vitrectomy
explain how a pneomonic retinopexy treatment is carried out
Gas bubble surgery:
- bubble is injected into vitreous which presses the retina back
- bubble is slowly absorbed into the eye over the weeks
- will need to maintain certain posture
explain how a scleral buckling treatment is carried out
- attach a silicone or sponge to outside of the eye
- this causes the inside of the eye to buckle inwards, pressing the retina onto the RPE
- cyrotherapy or laser is used to seal the area around the detachment
when will you chose to carry out a vitrectomy treatment for a px with RD
when there is scarring and bleeding in the vitreous
how is a vitrectomy carried out
replace the vitreous with clear solution or a bubble which puts the retina back on
