eye disorders
Retinal Detachment
Key Points
Risk factors for rhegmatogenous retinal detachments include myopia, previous cataract surgery, ocular trauma, and lattice retinal degeneration. All forms of retinal detachment eventually blur vision; early symptoms of rhegmatogenous detachment can include irregular vitreous floaters (particularly with a sudden increase) and flashes of light (photopsias). Arrange for urgent indirect ophthalmoscopy by an ophthalmologist to diagnose retinal detachment if patients have a sudden increase or change in floaters; photopsias; a curtain or veil across the visual field; any sudden, unexplained loss of vision; or if vitreous hemorrhage obscures the retina. Treat rhegmatogenous detachment by sealing retinal breaks (with laser or cryotherapy), by sealing the breaks with scleral buckling, with pneumatic retinopexy, and/or with vitrectomy. Nonrhegmatogenous detachment due to vitreoretinal traction can be treated with vitrectomy and transudative detachments due to uveitis can be treated with local or systemic corticosteroids or systemic immunosuppressants. 