BLACK FRIDAY SALE ✨ SAVE UP TO 45% OFF NOW
Physician Assistant (PA)
/
Courses
/
Pathology
/
Other Ophthalmologic Disorders
/
Detached Retina

Master Detached Retina with Picmonic for Physician Assistant

With Picmonic, facts become pictures. We've taken what the science shows - image mnemonics work - but we've boosted the effectiveness by building and associating memorable characters, interesting audio stories, and built-in quizzing.

DOWNLOAD PDF
Detached Retina

Detached Retina

Detached Red-tins
Picmonic
A detached retina is caused by an accumulation of fluid leading to the separation of the sensory retina and underlying pigment epithelium. Symptoms may include flashes of light, floaters, and a curtain-like shadow. Interventions for retinal detachment include promoting bed rest, avoiding vigorous activity, wearing an eye patch, and preparing for immediate surgical repair.
7 KEY FACTS
ASSESSMENT
Flashes of Light
Flashes of Light

The patient with a detached retina may experience sudden flashes of light in the affected eye. They typically appear at the edge of the visual field and caused by vitreous traction. Flashes of light may be more pronounced against a dark background.

Floaters
Floaties-on-eyes

Retinal detachment may cause the patient to experience floaters in their vision. Floaters are characterized as small bits of debris floating in the patient's field of vision and are caused by clumps of solid vitreous gel or loose blood caused by retinal tear.

Curtain Like Shadow
Curtain Shadow

After the retina detaches, the patient may experience a curtain-like shadow coming across the field of vision. This painless loss of peripheral or central vision corresponds with the area of detachment.

INTERVENTIONS
Eye Patch
Eye Patch

In patients with detached retinas, an eye patch may be used to help protect the eye. An eye patch worn to protect the eye is especially useful during the night. Instruct the patient to avoid rubbing the eye in order to prevent irritation. After surgical repair, the operative eye is patched to minimize further complications.

Bed Rest
Bed

To prevent further complications, the patient with retinal detachment should maintain bed rest. The patient may be instructed to rest in certain positions to minimize eye pressure and swelling.

Surgical Emergency
Emergency Surgeon

To prevent further deterioration leading to blindness, the patient with retinal detachment may be prepared for immediate surgical repair. Various types of surgery are performed to repair retinal detachment. Laser photocoagulation and cryopexy create an inflammatory reaction that leads to chorioretinal adhesion to seal retinal breaks. Scleral buckling involves indenting the globe in order to move pigment epithelium, the choroid, and the sclera toward the detached retina. Various intraocular procedures, such as pneumatic retinopexy and vitrectomy may also be used to address retinal detachment.

CONSIDERATIONS
No Vigorous Activity
No-sign Vigorous Activities

The patient with retinal detachment should avoid vigorous activity to prevent further complications. After surgical repair, the level of activity restriction varies depending on the type of surgery and the physician's orders.

DOWNLOAD PDF

Recommended Picmonics

picmonic thumbnail
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
picmonic thumbnail
Cataract
picmonic thumbnail
Central Retinal Vein Occlusion
picmonic thumbnail
Central Retinal Artery Occlusion
picmonic thumbnail
Internuclear Ophthalmoplegia

Take the Detached Retina Quiz

Picmonic's rapid review multiple-choice quiz allows you to assess your knowledge.

It's worth every penny

Our Story Mnemonics Increase Mastery and Retention

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

Unforgettable characters with concise but impactful videos (2-4 min each)

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

Ace Your Physician Assistant (PA) Classes & Exams with Picmonic:

Over 1,980,000 students use Picmonic’s picture mnemonics to improve knowledge, retention, and exam performance.

Choose the #1 Physician Assistant (PA) student study app.

Picmonic for Physician Assistant (PA) covers information that is relevant to your entire Physician Assistant (PA) education. Whether you’re studying for your classes or getting ready to conquer the PANCE® or PANRE®, we’re here to help.

Works better than traditional Physician Assistant (PA) flashcards.

Research shows that students who use Picmonic see a 331% improvement in memory retention and a 50% improvement in test scores.