However, immediate retinal-vitreous specialist consultation is not necessary in all cases because many general ophthalmologists are capable of performing indirect ophthalmoscopy and determining the need for further intervention. Inflammatory retinal detachments, for example, usually are treated medically. Immediate ophthalmologic referral is mandatory. In some cases, transfer to a facility with an available ophthalmologist or retinal specialist is in the patient's best interest after initial ophthalmologic evaluation. Make these decisions in accordance with the patient's wishes and the direction of the ophthalmologic consultant.
Blindness is the most obvious complication of a retinal detachment.
Loss of vision to hand motion or light perception is a frequent complication of RDs that involve the macula. Prognosis is related inversely to the degree of macular involvement and the length of time the retina has been off. Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine. A Comprehensive Study Guide. Medicine is a constantly changing science and not all therapies are clearly established.