Within how many hours should a patient with a retinal detachment be evaluated?

A patient with a retinal detachment should ideally be evaluated within 24 hours because timely intervention is critical for the preservation of vision. Retinal detachment is a serious condition where the retina separates from the underlying supportive tissue, which can lead to permanent vision loss if not addressed promptly. The 24-hour timeframe allows for early diagnosis and treatment, which often involves surgical procedures to reattach the retina.

Delaying evaluation beyond this timeframe increases the risk of complications and can significantly reduce the chances of restoring vision. Interventions may include pneumatic retinopexy, scleral buckle, or vitrectomy, and the sooner one of these procedures can be performed after diagnosis, the better the prognosis for the patient. This urgency underlines the importance of adhering to a 24-hour window for evaluation in cases of suspected retinal detachment.