What is the treatment for retinal detachment to correct the tear?

What is the treatment for retinal detachment to correct the tear?

• A. Cryotherapy or photocoagulation
• B. Laser photocoagulation
• C. Cryotherapy
• D. Observation only

Answer: (A)

When a retinal tear is present, the goal is to create a firm adhesion around the tear so fluid cannot seep under the retina and cause detachment. This is achieved by inducing chorioretinal adhesions with either laser energy or freezing. Laser photocoagulation precisely burns around the tear to form a scar that binds retina to underlying layers. Cryotherapy (cryopexy) freezes the tissue around the tear to create a similar inflammatory scar and adhesion. Because either method can effectively seal the tear, the best answer recognizes that both cryotherapy and laser photocoagulation are used to correct the tear. Observing alone isn’t enough, since a tear can progress to detachment without treatment.

When a retinal tear is present, the goal is to create a firm adhesion around the tear so fluid cannot seep under the retina and cause detachment. This is achieved by inducing chorioretinal adhesions with either laser energy or freezing. Laser photocoagulation precisely burns around the tear to form a scar that binds retina to underlying layers. Cryotherapy (cryopexy) freezes the tissue around the tear to create a similar inflammatory scar and adhesion. Because either method can effectively seal the tear, the best answer recognizes that both cryotherapy and laser photocoagulation are used to correct the tear. Observing alone isn’t enough, since a tear can progress to detachment without treatment.