Bilateral Retinal Detachment in a Pediatric Patient

Background

Pediatric retinal detachments occur rarely, and thus may be easily missed. Without treatment, this condition leads to permanent vision loss. Patients with Stickler syndrome, an inherited disorder of collagen synthesis, are more likely to have retinal detachments than the general population.

Case Report

We present a case of a 9-year-old boy who presented to the Emergency Department with blurry vision, and who was subsequently diagnosed with bilateral retinal detachments. The patient underwent successful operative intervention. He was eventually determined to have Stickler syndrome.

Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?

It is important for emergency physicians to recognize pediatric visual problems such as retinal detachment, as their presentations may be unusual, and delay of definitive care could result in lifelong visual impairment.