The separation of the neurosensory retinal layer from its underlying pigmented epithelium. Patients will experience some degree of visual loss and may complain of cloudy vision, floaters, flashes of light, or a black curtain across their vision. Risk factors include aging, myopia, eye surgery, inflammation, trauma, a prior retinal detachment, or a family history of retinal detachment. Funduscopic exam reveals a gray or opaque retina instead of the normal pink color. The arterioles and venules may appear dark, and floaters may be visualized.
Retinal detachment is an ocular emergency, and prompt surgical intervention is necessary.
Either presents as painless monocular vision loss, with arterial occlusion occurring suddenly and venous occlusion causing vision to decrease over hours. The patient may experience transient episodes of blindness before the event. Retinal arterial occlusion. Intermittent digital pressure should be applied to the globe in an attempt to dislodge the embolus. Increasing the PCO 2 to dilate the artery can be attempted if one has the patient breathe into a paper bag or inhale carbogen.