Peer Reviewed
Feature Article Ophthalmology
Retinal detachment: what the GP should look for
Recent articles on:
Retinal disorders
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Vision impairment and blindness
Vision impairment and blindness
Abstract
Retinal detachment is one of the better known ophthalmic problems. It is a reasonably common, and treatable, cause of visual loss. The diagnosis must be considered by GPs when patients present with the sudden onset of flashes, floaters and visual loss.
Key Points
- Retinal detachment develops after the formation of a retinal break (tear), which allows fluid from the vitreous cavity to enter the subretinal space and the retina to detach from its normal position.
- Posterior vitreous detachment causes most retinal tears.
- The sudden onset of flashes, floaters, and peripheral visual field loss that progresses to loss of central vision requires same-day referral to an ophthalmologist.
- Treatment of retinal detachment requires surgery, which has a high rate of success.
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