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.
Respiratory Membrane and Gas Exchange. In the lungs, gas exchange takes place in the alveolar sacs. Oxygen (O2) diffuses from the alveoli into the capillaries and RBCs. At the same time, carbon dioxide (CO2) in the capillaries diffuses into the alveoli.