Retinal Tear

Understanding Retinal Tear

What is a Retinal Tear? A retinal tear occurs when the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye, gets a small break. This can happen when the vitreous, a gel-like substance inside your eye, pulls on the retina with enough force.

Symptoms to Watch For

• Flashes of Light: Sudden, brief flashes of light in one eye.
• New Floaters: Small, dark spots or squiggly lines that move in your vision.
• Shadow or Curtain Effect: A sensation like a curtain is coming down over part of your vision.
• Vision Changes: Blurring or a decrease in vision.
• Remember, these symptoms can occur suddenly and require immediate attention.

What Causes a Retinal Tear? Retinal tears often result from the vitreous gel pulling on the retina. They’re more common as we age, but can also occur due to eye trauma or certain eye conditions.

Treatment Options

• Laser Surgery (Photocoagulation): Seals the tear by creating small burns around it.
• Cryopexy: Freezes the area around the tear to help reattach the retina.
• Scleral Buckle or Vitrectomy: For more complicated cases, especially if a retinal detachment occurs.

Prevention and Monitoring

• Regular eye exams, especially if you are nearsighted, have had eye trauma, or a family history of retinal issues.
• Immediate medical attention is crucial if you experience symptoms of a retinal tear.

Early diagnosis and treatment of a retinal tear can prevent it from progressing to a retinal detachment, a more serious condition that can lead to permanent vision loss. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact our office as soon as possible.