Retinal Tears
What are Retinal Tears?
A retinal tear is a condition where a break or opening occurs in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Retinal tears can occur when the vitreous gel inside the eye pulls away from the retina, causing traction or when there is trauma to the eye. If left untreated, retinal tears can lead to a retinal detachment, a more serious condition where the retina pulls away from the underlying tissue, potentially causing vision loss or blindness.
Symptoms of a retinal tear may include:
- Sudden onset of floaters (spots or cobwebs) in your field of vision
- Flashes of light in the affected eye, especially when moving your eyes
- A curtain-like shadow or veil across your field of vision
Treatments for Retinal Tears
Treatment for a retinal tear typically involves surrounding the tear to prevent fluid from leaking underneath the retina and causing a detachment. The specific treatment options depend on the size and location of the tear:
- Laser photocoagulation: This procedure uses laser to create small burns around the retinal tear, which creates scar tissue that can seal the tear and prevent fluid from spreading past the retinal tear and becoming a retinal detachment
