A 58-year-old patient presents to the emergency department reporting the sudden onset of numerous dark floaters accompanied by intermittent flashes of light in the peripheral vision of the right eye. Which ocular emergency should the emergency nurse suspect as the most likely cause of these symptoms?
Sudden floaters combined with photopsia (flashes of light) suggest that the retina is being tugged or has torn, placing the patient at high risk for retinal detachment. Detachment occurs when the neurosensory retina separates from the underlying pigment epithelium, and it can rapidly lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly. Although posterior vitreous detachment can cause similar complaints, it is usually benign; optic neuritis and conjunctivitis do not typically produce floaters and flashes. Immediate ophthalmologic evaluation is essential for suspected retinal detachment.
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Maxillofacial and Ocular Emergencies
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