What is Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment?

This is the most common type of retinal detachment and occurs due to a retinal tear or hole. The tear allows fluid to pass through and accumulate under the retina, causing it to detach. Risk factors include aging, high myopia, eye injuries, and previous eye surgeries. Flashes of light, floaters, and a dark curtain over vision are common symptoms.

Symptoms of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

• Very brief flashes of light (photopsia) in the extreme peripheral (outside of center) part of vision
• A sudden dramatic increase in the number of floaters
• A ring of floaters or hairs just to the temporal side of the central vision
• A dense shadow that starts in the peripheral vision and slowly progresses towards the central vision
• The impression that a veil or curtain was drawn over the field of vision
• Straight lines (scale, edge of the wall, road, etc.) that suddenly appear curved
• Central visual loss

Causes of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

Risk factors include the following:

• Myopia
• Previous cataract surgery
• Ocular trauma
• Lattice retinal degeneration
• A family history of retinal detachment

Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Prevention

• Avoid direct and indirect injury to the eyes
• Regular eye check up

Types of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

Fresh Retinal Detachment

Long standing retinal detachment characterised by proliferative vitreo retinopathy changes

• Grade A- diffuse vitreous haze and tobacco dust
• Grade B-wrinkling of inner retinal surface & decreased mobility of vitreous gel
• Grade C- rigid full thickness retinal folds with heavy vitreous condensation and strands

Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Diagnosis

• Ophthalmoscopy preferably with indirect ophthalmoscope
• Fundus photography
• Ultrasound B scan