A 40-year-old myopic man presents with sudden onset of photopsia and floaters followed by a field defect that starts superiorly and progresses toward fixation. Slit-lamp examination shows a Weiss ring in the vitreous. What type of retinal detachment is most likely?
- A Tractional retinal detachment from diabetic fibrovascular membranes
- B Exudative (secondary) retinal detachment from choroidal tumour
- C Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment from a peripheral retinal break ✓
- D Retinoschisis
Correct answer: C. Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment from a peripheral retinal break
Explanation
Photopsia (from retinal traction), floaters (from vitreous haemorrhage or pigment Schafer's sign), a Weiss ring (collapsed vitreous attachment to optic disc following PVD), field defect starting superiorly, and high myopia are classic features of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) secondary to a retinal break (tear or hole). The inferior shadow develops as fluid accumulates below, and gravity causes the superior retina to detach first. Tractional RD lacks photopsia and progresses slowly; exudative RD typically shifts with position.
Reference: Khurana Comprehensive Ophthalmology, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.