Retinal Detachment

Question 1

What is retinal detachment?

Answer 1

Retinal detachment is separation of neurosensory layer of retina (photoreceptor layer with rods and cones) from the outermost pigmented epithelium (normally shields excess light and supports the retina) leading to degeneration of photoreceptors and visual loss.

Question 2

What conditions can retinal detachment be secondary to?

Answer 2

1. retinal breaks
2. diabetic traction
3. inflammatory effusions

Question 3

How is retinal detachment noted on exam?

Answer 3

Retinal detachment is visualized on fundoscopy as crinkling of the retinal tissue and changes in vessel direction.

Question 4

In which patients are retinal breaks more common?

Answer 4

Retinal breaks are more common in patients with high myopia and/or history of head trauma.

Question 5

What symptoms often precede retinal detachment?

Answer 5

Retinal detachment is often preceded by posterior vitreous detachment (flashes and floaters) and eventual monocular loss of vision like a curtain drawn down.

Question 6

Is retinal detachment a surgical emergency?

Answer 6

Yes