Treatment of Retinal Detachment Caused by Retinal Breaks (Tears and Holes)

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment is a sight-threatening condition in which a break in the retina — a tear or hole — allows fluid to accumulate beneath the neurosensory retina, causing it to separate. Prompt identification and surgical management are essential.

Clinical Scenario

This protocol addresses rhegmatogenous retinal detachment arising specifically from retinal breaks, including tears and holes. In this subtype, the physical disruption of the retinal tissue is the primary driver of detachment, distinguishing it from other forms of retinal separation.

Surgical Approach — Partial Overview

Management is surgical. One approach involves a procedure in which a gas bubble is used to tamponade the retina, combined with treatment to seal the break. Further surgical options are available and are selected based on the specific characteristics of the detachment.

The complete structured regimen — including the full range of surgical options, selection criteria, and procedural details — is available in the protocol below.

Instant Access to Structured Evidence-Based Regimens

References

Rhegmatogenous RD (Fig. 1) is caused by retinal breaks, such as tears and holes.
Rhegmatogenous RD is surgically treated by several options, which may include pneumatic retinopexy with cryopexy, laser, or both; scleral buckle with or without encircling band and with or without drainage of subretinal fluid; and trans pars plana vitrectomy with air/gas/fluid exchange, and with or without encircling band.

DOI: 10.1016/S1060-135X(98)90029-X

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