Is scleral depression necessary to diagnose a peripheral retinal tear or detachment?

[melinda68]

The ophthalmologist only used indirect ophthalmoscopy and I read that this could miss a tear of detachment on the periphery.

[JohnHaganMD]

No many retina detachments or tears can be seen with just the eye dilated and an indirect ophthalmoscope.   Sclera depression may also not be necessary if the pupil is widely dilated and the peripheral retina and ora serrata seen easily. Dilating is however necessary

[melinda68]

So without scleral depression you can't rule it out?

[JohnHaganMD]

Didn’t say that. In many people you can see all the retina with just dilation and indirect.  With small pupils may be necessary

[melinda68]

Yes, sorry, I realised me error after I hit enter. My pupils are enormous when dilated. Can barely see any iris. So I guess that's why no scleral depression. Thanks, Doctor Hagan (is that an Irish name?)

[JohnHaganMD]

Yes. Used to be O’hagan.   Came to this great country during potatoe famine 0f 1840’s.

[melinda68]

Ah, OK, thought so. I am half Irish and spent a year in Cork city and County Waterford

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

[melinda68]

Ah, an Irish blessing!

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Yes and we all know how the Irish can curse.