Once this type of retinal detachment develops and causes symptoms, it can progress to total blindness if it is not repaired promptly. In the United States, retinal detachment is a relatively uncommon condition, affecting only one of every 10,000 Americans each year.
Gas exchange in reptiles still occurs in alveoli however, reptiles do not possess a diaphragm. Thus, breathing occurs via a change in the volume of the body cavity which is controlled by contraction of intercostal muscles in all reptiles except turtles.
Gas exchange occurs in the lungs, whereby CO2 is released from the blood, and oxygen is absorbed. The pulmonary vein returns the now oxygen-rich blood to the left atrium. A separate system known as the bronchial circulation supplies blood to the tissue of the larger airways of the lung.