Retinal detachment

Make patients partners in the management process so that they understand the risks, benefits, and care instructions. Explain the etiology of the RD and the importance of complying with all instructions, including those that pertain to any systemic condition. National Eye Institute: retinal detachment Opens in new window

Patients should be aware that:

• no surgical intervention has a 100% success rate

• some patients may need further surgery for new breaks in the retina or scar tissue

• risk of subsequent redetachment increases with suboptimal postoperative care

• risk of subsequent redetachment is reduced with increased interval after surgery

• redetachment can occur as a consequence of PVR, myopia, and cataracts.

Encouraging patients to monitor their own vision every week for a few months may help (e.g., looking at the same objects under similar conditions), asking them to seek an urgent follow-up visit if any deterioration or visual disturbance occurs.

Postoperative positioning (depending on the break's location) should be maintained for at least a week. While the eye contains gas, patients must not fly or visit high altitudes. Vision should improve after reabsorption of the gas, but the extent of improvement depends upon several factors. If it does not improve, an urgent follow-up visit is recommended.

Patients with underlying systemic disease may require lifestyle changes. For example, effective glycemic and hypertensive control may slow retinal damage in patients with diabetes.