Refer fresh rhegmatogenous detachments immediately for evaluation and surgical intervention, particularly if the macula is involved or threatened. In cases of long-standing retinal detachment, make patients aware of the permanent nature of the vision loss. Conservative surgical management may still be indicated for partial or sectoral RRDs, to secure the remaining retina against the odd chance of ocular trauma and subsequent detachment. Complete RRDs lasting more than two weeks are usually not treated surgically, as the potential risks outweigh the benefits. Exudative retinal detachments are encountered far less frequently than RRDs, and are often related to more severe conditions that may need to be co-managed with an ophthalmologist.
Tractional detachments represent the most ominous sequela of proliferative vitreoretinopathies.
Again, ongoing ophthalmologic co-management should be the rule in these cases.