Master Detached Retina with Picmonic for Physician Assistant

The patient with a detached retina may experience sudden flashes of light in the affected eye. They typically appear at the edge of the visual field and caused by vitreous traction. Flashes of light may be more pronounced against a dark background.

Retinal detachment may cause the patient to experience floaters in their vision. Floaters are characterized as small bits of debris floating in the patient's field of vision and are caused by clumps of solid vitreous gel or loose blood caused by retinal tear.

After the retina detaches, the patient may experience a curtain-like shadow coming across the field of vision. This painless loss of peripheral or central vision corresponds with the area of detachment.

In patients with detached retinas, an eye patch may be used to help protect the eye. An eye patch worn to protect the eye is especially useful during the night. Instruct the patient to avoid rubbing the eye in order to prevent irritation. After surgical repair, the operative eye is patched to minimize further complications.

To prevent further complications, the patient with retinal detachment should maintain bed rest. The patient may be instructed to rest in certain positions to minimize eye pressure and swelling.

To prevent further deterioration leading to blindness, the patient with retinal detachment may be prepared for immediate surgical repair. Various types of surgery are performed to repair retinal detachment. Laser photocoagulation and cryopexy create an inflammatory reaction that leads to chorioretinal adhesion to seal retinal breaks. Scleral buckling involves indenting the globe in order to move pigment epithelium, the choroid, and the sclera toward the detached retina. Various intraocular procedures, such as pneumatic retinopexy and vitrectomy may also be used to address retinal detachment.

The patient with retinal detachment should avoid vigorous activity to prevent further complications. After surgical repair, the level of activity restriction varies depending on the type of surgery and the physician's orders.