Retinal Tears
A retinal tear is a serious eye condition that occurs when the retina, the thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye, develops a small break or tear. Left untreated, a retinal tear can lead to retinal detachment, which may cause permanent vision loss. Thankfully, with early diagnosis and prompt treatment, further damage can often be prevented. If you suspect you may have a retinal tear, you can turn to Sight360 for a comprehensive eye exam and expert care.
What Is a Retinal Tear?
A retinal tear is a break in the retina that can allow fluid to pass underneath, potentially leading to retinal detachment. The retina plays a vital role in converting light into signals that are sent to the brain. When a tear occurs, it can disrupt this process and significantly impact your vision.
Retinal tears are often associated with aging, particularly in individuals over 50. While not all retinal tears lead to detachment, timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent further complications.
What Are the Symptoms Associated with a Retinal Tear?
Retinal tears can come on suddenly and may cause noticeable visual symptoms. Common signs include:
- Flashes of light in your peripheral vision
- A sudden increase in floaters (small specks or cobweb-like shapes that drift across your field of vision)
- A shadow or curtain-like effect across your visual field
- Blurred or distorted vision
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention. Retinal tears can worsen quickly, and early intervention is key to preserving your sight.
What Causes a Retinal Tear?
Retinal tears often result from changes in the eye’s vitreous gel. As we age, the vitreous begins to shrink and may pull away from the retina. This is called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), and in some cases, it can cause the retina to tear.
Other causes include:
- Eye trauma or injury
- Severe nearsightedness (myopia)
- Previous eye surgery or retinal conditions
- Family history of retinal issues
While retinal tears are more common with age, they can occur at any time, especially when risk factors are present.
How Are Retinal Tears Diagnosed?
Diagnosing a retinal tear requires a thorough eye exam performed by an experienced ophthalmologist or optometrist. At Sight360, we use advanced diagnostic technology to carefully examine the retina and identify any abnormalities.
During your exam, we may perform:
- Dilated eye exam to get a full view of the retina
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) to capture detailed images of retinal layers
- Ultrasound imaging (if bleeding or clouding is present in the eye)
Our goal is to detect the tear as early as possible so we can act quickly to prevent further damage.
Treating Retinal Tears
If a retinal tear is identified before detachment occurs, it can typically be treated with in-office procedures that seal the tear and prevent progression.
Treatment options include:
- Laser photocoagulation – A laser is used to create small burns around the tear, forming a scar that seals the retina to the back of the eye.
- Cryopexy – A freezing probe is used to create a scar that holds the retina in place.
Both procedures are usually quick, effective, and performed under local anesthesia. Most patients resume normal activities within a short recovery period.
Eye Exams for Detecting Retinal Tears
At Sight360, your eye health is our priority. We provide comprehensive eye exams that include retinal evaluations to detect any early signs of tearing or detachment. Our team of experienced eye care professionals offers personalized care and clear guidance every step of the way, from diagnosis through treatment.
Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or simply due for a checkup, regular eye exams can help catch retinal tears early, when treatment is most effective. Choose Sight360 for compassionate care, advanced diagnostics, and trusted treatment for retinal tears. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.