Retinal Tears Specialist

What are retinal tears?

The retina is a light-sensitive inner lining of your eye that helps produce clear vision. If the retinal tissue is torn, you run the risk of vision problems and retinal detachment. Seeking treatment immediately after you experience vision changes can prevent serious complications and save your eyesight.

What are the symptoms of retinal tears?

The following signs and symptoms can indicate you have a retinal tear:

• Black spots in your vision
• Floaters
• Flashes of light
• Blurred vision
• Shadows in your vision

Sometimes retinal tears don’t cause any symptoms, which is why routine eye exams are so important.

What are the risk factors for retinal tears?

Retinal tears can happen to anyone, but the following factors increase your risk of developing them:

• Older age
• Family history of retinal tears
• Extreme nearsightedness
• Previous retinal tears or retinal detachment
• Thin patches in the retina
• Eye trauma
• Previous eye surgery
• Some medications

Retinal tears can lead to retinal detachment and permanent vision loss if left undetected and untreated.

How are retinal tears diagnosed?

During a dilated eye exam, your Retina Consultants Ltd. specialist can detect retinal tears. They review your symptoms and medical history and might use ultrasound to get a more detailed view of the retina and make a final diagnosis.

How are retinal tears treated?

To treat retinal tears and reduce your risk of retinal detachment and vision loss, your ophthalmologist can recommend:

Laser treatment

Your eye doctor can use a laser to make tiny burns near a retinal tear, create scarring, seal the tear, and prevent detachment.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy (freezing treatment) uses intense cold to freeze and create scar tissue in areas near retinal tears to repair them.

Injections

Injecting a gas bubble into your eye with laser treatment or cryotherapy helps push a retinal tear into place against the eye wall.

Surgical repair

If your retina detaches from the eye wall, your ophthalmologist can surgically repair the injury. They numb the treatment area first so you don’t feel any discomfort.

Don’t let a retinal tear cause serious complications, including vision loss. Schedule an eye exam with Retina Consultants Ltd. over the phone or online today.