What is a Retinal Tear?
A retinal tear occurs when thin retinal tissue is torn, typically during posterior vitreous detachment when "sticky" vitreous pulls on the retina. This creates a break that can lead to retinal detachment if not treated promptly. Early treatment is highly effective in preventing vision loss.
Understanding the Disease
Risk Factors
- • Posterior vitreous detachment
- • "Sticky" vitreous attachment
- • Lattice degeneration
- • Eye trauma or injury
- • High myopia
- • Previous eye surgery
Symptoms
⚠️ URGENT CARE REQUIRED for these symptoms
- • Sudden increase in floaters
- • Flashing lights (photopsia)
- • May include vitreous hemorrhage
- • Shadow or curtain in vision
- • Loss of peripheral vision
- • Blurred or distorted vision
Diagnostic Methods
Dilated Eye Examination
Detailed retinal evaluation
Indirect Ophthalmoscopy
Complete peripheral examination
Emergency Treatment Options
Laser Photocoagulation (Primary Treatment)
Laser creates scar tissue to seal the tear and prevent detachment
Very effective and safe outpatient procedure
Cryotherapy
Freezing treatment to create adhesion around peripheral tears
Alternative to laser for certain tear locations
Additional Procedures (if needed)
Pneumatic retinopexy, vitrectomy, or scleral buckle for complex cases
Reserved for tears with associated detachment
Treatment Success
Laser photocoagulation and cryotherapy are highly successful, with success rates >95% when performed promptly. These treatments nearly eliminate the risk of retinal detachment.
Prevention & Management
- • Regular comprehensive eye examinations
- • Immediate evaluation of new symptoms
- • Early detection of retinal weakness
- • Protection from eye trauma
- • Prompt treatment of tears
- • Follow-up care after treatment
Excellent Prognosis with Prompt Treatment
When retinal tears are diagnosed and treated promptly, the prognosis is excellent. Laser photocoagulation and cryotherapy have success rates >95% and nearly eliminate the risk of progression to retinal detachment. Early treatment is key to preserving vision.
Emergency Treatment Required
Seek immediate care for sudden floaters, flashing lights, or vision changes. Retinal tears can progress to detachment within hours, but prompt treatment nearly eliminates this risk. Early intervention preserves vision and prevents complications.