What is the management for retinal detachment?

• A. Laser treatment in outpatient setting.
• B. Ophthalmology referral - EMERGENCY.
• C. Observation with regular monitoring.
• D. Oral antibiotics and analgesics.

Answer: (B)

Retinal detachment is a sight‑threatening emergency that needs urgent surgical repair by an ophthalmologist. The goal is to reattach the retina as soon as possible to preserve vision, often within 24 hours if feasible. Laser treatment can be used to seal individual retinal tears in selected, non-detached cases or as an adjunct in certain scenarios, but it is not sufficient to manage an established detachment. Watching and waiting won’t stop the detachment from progressing, and antibiotics with analgesics address infection or pain but do not fix the detached retina. Immediate ophthalmology referral ensures appropriate evaluation and proceeding with the necessary surgical options (scleral buckle, pars plana vitrectomy, or pneumatic retinopexy) based on the detachment’s characteristics.