YEAR 04 • MAJOR CLINICAL DISCIPLINES

Ophthalmology

20 learning units • 100 chapter sections • 200 explained questions. Assess visual symptoms, recognise sight-threatening disease and plan safe treatment, referral and follow-up.

Original RAHBAR study material for the Year 4 learning pathway. Clinical cases support supervised undergraduate learning. Treatment choices, doses and procedures must follow current local protocols and the responsible clinical team. References & further reading ↓

MODULE 12 / 20

Flashes, Floaters & Retinal Detachment

Recognise retinal warning symptoms and organise urgent peripheral retinal assessment.

Answer all 10 questions, then submit to see your score and explanations. This is a self-study exercise; results are not saved.

Question 01. New flashes and floaters most directly raise concern for what process? A. Presbyopia aloneB. Vitreoretinal traction with possible retinal tearC. Simple lid eczemaD. Stable colour deficiency

Question 02. Does a posterior vitreous detachment always cause a retinal tear? A. Yes, invariablyB. Only when both eyes itchC. No, but a tear must be consideredD. No, so examination is never needed

Question 03. A curtain spreading across vision requires what? A. Routine refraction in six monthsB. Antibiotic drops without examinationC. Urgent retinal assessmentD. Reassurance if painless

Question 04. Can a peripheral retinal tear coexist with good central acuity? A. No, every tear immediately abolishes central visionB. Only after a corneal graftC. YesD. Only in childhood

Question 05. Why may direct ophthalmoscopy be insufficient in new flashes and floaters? A. It always measures the whole fieldB. It diagnoses every retinal tearC. The peripheral retina may not be adequately visualisedD. It replaces dilation in every case

Question 06. What defines rhegmatogenous retinal detachment? A. Optic nerve swelling aloneB. A cloudy lens without retinal changeC. An inflamed eyelid marginD. Fluid passes through a retinal break

Question 07. What often happens when detachment involves the macula? A. All pain immediately disappearsB. Central vision becomes affectedC. Eye pressure must become normalD. The cataract resolves

Question 08. Which intervention may treat a suitable retinal tear before detachment? A. Specialist laser or cryotherapyB. Routine lubricants aloneC. Reading glassesD. Topical antihistamine alone

Question 09. What advice is needed after an examination finds no tear? A. Ignore all future symptomsB. Return promptly for worsening flashes, floaters or a shadowC. Stop every follow-up appointmentD. Assume permanent immunity from detachment

Question 10. Why ask about intraocular gas before flying or anaesthesia? A. Gas permanently prevents pressure changesB. Gas has no implications after surgeryC. Gas can expand with altitude or nitrous oxide exposureD. It only changes spectacle colour

0 / 10 answered

References & Further Reading

Read the relevant guideline sections alongside these original clinical teaching cases. Local pathways, available services and individual patient factors determine care.

National Eye Institute — Retinal detachment

Reference review: 28 September 2026. Consult current local protocols for prescribing, procedures and escalation.