Prevention of retinal detachment

Summary Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is usually caused by peripheral retinal breaks related to anomalous posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). A smaller percentage is caused by atrophic retinal holes or traumatic dialysis of the ora serrata in the absence of a PVD. Although RRD affects only a small percentage of the general population, it can cause significant vision loss. A 5–10% of retinal reattachment attempts may fail whereas only half of the eyes with reattached retinas will maintain ≥ 20/50 vision. Furthermore, RRD repair harbours complications such as endophthalmitis, cataracts and diplopia. Prevention of RRD is therefore important. In this course we will explore the risk factors predisposing to RRD and will discuss preventive measures.