Overview Retinopathy of prematurity is a disease of the retinal vasculature in pre-term and low birthweight infants. It is one of the leading causes of avoidable childhood visual impairment and blindness. The severity of retinopathy of prematurity varies. Screening is…

Retinoblastoma is a neuroectodermal malignancy arising from retinal cells. It is one of the small round blue cell tumors of childhood. It is caused by a mutation of the retinoblastoma gene (RB1) located on chromosome 13q14. Children born with germline…

Overview Retinitis occurs in conditions that cause retinal inflammation, resulting in edema and necrosis. Patients typically experience floaters (dark spots in the visual fields) and decreased vision. Infectious retinitis is usually a manifestation of systemic illness. Cytomegalovirus is a classic…

Retinal detachment is the separation of the retina from the retinal pigment epithelium. It is one of the most commonly encountered ophthalmologic emergencies (along with occlusion of the retinal artery, endophthalmitis, and trauma). Retinal detachment has a good prognosis provided…

Overview Macular degeneration is the most common cause of permanent visual loss in the elderly. It is AKA age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It is a chronic condition that leads to progressive ventral visual loss. The macula is essential for central…

Overview Hypertensive Retinopathy is a disease of the retinal and choroidal vasculature due to severe acute or chronic hypertension. Chronic hypertensive retinopathy is more common and is predominantly seen in older patients. Disease Process Cause Patients Acute hypertensive retinopathy Sudden,…

Overview Diabetic retinopathy is the breakdown of retinal vasculature due to persistent hyperglycemia. It usually occurs in patients with poorly controlled diabetes. All patients with a new diagnosis of T2DM should be referred to an ophthalmologist for baseline evaluation. The…

Retinitis pigmentosa is an inherited retinal disorder. Visual loss usually begins in childhood. It involves the loss of photoreceptors (rods and cones) by apoptosis. Rod death precedes cone death. Night and peripheral vision are lost progressively. It results in a…

Overview Dacyrocystitis is an inflammation of the lacrimal sac usually as a result of obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct. It is the most frequent disorder affecting the lower lacrimal system and usually occurs unilaterally. It may present acutely or chronically…

Overview Dacryoadenitis is the inflammation of the lacrimal glands. It may present acutely or chronically. It may occur unilaterally or bilaterally and there are multiple causes which can be broadly classified into: It occurs commonly in children and young adults…