Retinal Detachment - Retinal Disorders

Retinal Disorders

Although the retina is composed of multiple microscopic layers, the two innermost layers, the sensory retina and the retinal pig-ment epithelium (RPE), are the most relevant to common retinal disorders. Just as the film in a camera captures an image, so does the retina, the neural tissue of the eye. The rods and cones, the photoreceptor cells, are found in the sensory layer of the retina. Beneath the sensory layer lies the RPE, the pigmented layer. When the rods and cones are stimulated by light, an electrical impulse is generated, and the image is transmitted to the brain.

RETINAL DETACHMENT

Retinal detachment refers to the separation of the RPE from the sensory layer. The four types of retinal detachment are rheg-matogenous, traction, a combination of rhegmatogenous and traction, and exudative. Rhegmatogenous detachment is the most common form. In this condition, a hole or tear develops in the sen-sory retina, allowing some of the liquid vitreous to seep through the sensory retina and detach it from the RPE (Fig. 58-11). People at risk for this type of detachment include those with high myopia or aphakia after cataract surgery. Trauma may also play a role in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Between 5% and 10% of all rhegmatogenous retinal detachments are associated with proliferative retinopathy, a retinopathy associated with dia-betic neovascularization.

Tension, or a pulling force, is responsible for traction retinaldetachment. An ophthalmologist must ascertain all of the areas ofretinal break and identify and release the scars or bands of fibrous material providing traction on the retina. Generally, patients with this condition have developed fibrous scar tissue from conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, vitreous hemorrhage, or the retinopa-thy of prematurity. The hemorrhages and fibrous proliferation as-sociated with these conditions exert a pulling force on the delicate retina.

Patients can have both rhegmatogenous and traction retinal detachment. Exudative retinal detachments are the result of the production of a serous fluid under the retina from the choroid. Conditions such as uveitis and macular degeneration may cause the production of this serous fluid.

Clinical Manifestations

Patients may report the sensation of a shade or curtain coming across the vision of one eye, cobwebs, bright flashing lights, or the sudden onset of a great number of floaters. Patients do not com-plain of pain.

Assessment and Diagnostic Findings

After visual acuity is determined, the patient must have a dilated fundus examination using an indirect ophthalmoscope and a Goldmann three-mirror examination. This examination is detailed and prolonged, and it can be very uncomfortable for the patient. Many patients describe this as looking directly into the sun. All retinal breaks, all fibrous bands that may be causing traction on the retina, and all degenerative changes must be identified. A de-tailed retinal drawing is made by the ophthalmologist.

Surgical Management

In rhegmatogenous detachment, an attempt is made to reattach the sensory retina to the RPE surgically. The retinal surgeon com-presses the sclera (often with a scleral buckle or a silicone band; Fig. 58-12) to indent the scleral wall from the outside of the eye and bring the two retinal layers in contact with each other. Gas bubbles, silicone oil, or perfluorocarbon and liquids may also be injected into the vitreous cavity to help push the sensory retina up against the RPE. Argon laser photocoagulation or cryotherapy is also used to “spot-weld” small holes.

In traction retinal detachment, a vitrectomy is performed. A vit-rectomy is an intraocular procedure in which 1- to 4-mm incisions are made at the pans plana. One incision allows the introduction of a light source (ie, endoilluminator), and another incision serves as the portal for the vitrectomy instrument. The surgeon dissects preretinal membranes under direct visualization while the retina is stabilized by an intraoperative vitreous substitute. Technologic advances, including the use of operating microscopes, micro-instrumentation, irrigating contact lenses, and instruments that combine vitreous cutting, aspiration, and illumination capabili-ties into one device, have allowed tremendous progress in vitre-oretinal surgery. The techniques of vitreoretinal surgery can be used in various procedures, including the removal of foreign bodies, vitreous opacities such as blood, and dislocated lenses. Traction on the retina may be relieved through vitrectomy and may be combined with scleral buckling to repair retinal breaks. Treatment of macular holes includes vitrectomy, laser photo-coagulation, air-fluid-gas exchanges, and the use of growth factor.

Nursing Management

For the most part, nursing interventions consist of educating the patient and providing supportive care.

PROMOTING COMFORT

If gas tamponade is used to flatten the retina, the patient may have to be specially positioned to make the gas bubble float into the best position. Some patients must lie face down or on their side for days. Patients and family members should be made aware of these special needs beforehand, so that the patient can be made as comfortable as possible.

TEACHING ABOUT COMPLICATIONS

In many cases, vitreoretinal procedures are performed on an out-patient basis, and the patient is seen the next day for a follow-up examination and closely monitored thereafter as required. Post-operative complications in these patients may include increased IOP, endophthalmitis, development of other retinal detach-ments, development of cataracts, and loss of turgor of the eye. Pa-tients must be taught the signs and symptoms of complications, particularly of increasing IOP and postoperative infection.