Obvious detachment is observed as marked elevation of the retina, which appears gray with dark blood vessels that may lie in folds. The detached retina may undulate. Shallow detachments are much more difficult to detect. An orange-peel appearance of the retinal surface can occur. A pigmented or nonpigmented line may demarcate the limit of a detachment.
Scleral depression is necessary to identify the location of a retinal tear or hole.
No laboratory tests to indicate a diagnosis of retinal detachment exist. Subsequent testing may be necessary to detect underlying causes. Imaging techniques, such as orbital films, CT scans, or MRIs, are not necessary or indicated to assist the diagnoses retinal detachment, but they may be necessary to detect intraocular foreign bodies and tumors. If the retina cannot be visualized because of corneal changes, cataracts, or hemorrhagin, ultrasonography is necessary. A and B scan ultrasounds both can assist the diagnoses of RD and differentiate it from posterior vitreous detachment.