What is retinal tear?
Knowing the structure of the eyeball is essential to understand retinal tear.
RETINAL TEAR
Early diagnosis and treatment
The eyeball contains a gel-like substance called vitreous body which gives shape to the eye. The vitreous body is attached to the retina. Over the years the vitreous body dehydrates and condenses which leads to the appearance of myodesopsias (floaters). Floaters are condensed parts of the vitreous body that cast a shadow on the retina.
How does retinal tear occur?
- Progressive condensation of the vitreous body causes its detachment from the retina which is commonly known as vitreous detachment, a natural, age-related process.
- However, in some cases the vitreous body pulls away from the retina causing a small slit in it which is called retinal tear.
CAUSES OF
RETINAL TEAR
Retinal tear may have multiple causes, for instance trauma with a sudden detachment of the vitreous body or weakened retinal tissue in areas where the retina is attached to the vitreous body (in patients with peripheral retinal degeneration or myopia magna).
Fluid begins to leak through the retinal tear and may eventually lead to retinal detachment.
SYMPTOMS OF
RETINAL TEAR
Retinal tear is a totally painless process, symptoms reflect mostly on the patient’s vision. The following symptoms must be regarded as warning signs:
Sudden onset of floaters
which indicates vitreous condensation. This is not necessarily a sign of retinal tear. Floaters indicate that the vitreous body is ageing. In these cases it is recommended to visit your doctor to examine the eye fundus and rule out peripheral degenerations and other risky conditions.
Persisting flashes of light (photopsia):
these flashes indicate that the vitreous body is pulling away from the retina. Although they are not necessarily a symptom of retinal tear patients must visit an ophthalmologist to rule out any pathologies.
Vision affected by a dark curtain:
this might indicate that retinal tear has advanced and fluid is accumulating under it causing a retinal detachment.
TREATMENT OF
RETINAL TEAR
Treatment must start immediately, as soon as retinal tear is diagnosed, to prevent further evolution of this condition and eventual retinal detachment. Treatment involves laser photocoagulation to “seal” the tear and avoid leakage into it.
OTHER
PROCEDURES
Laser treatment is not always effective. Effectiveness will depend on the location of the tear and the evolution time. Close monitoring is required to verify the correct sealing of the retinal tear. If the sealing of retinal tear is not satisfactory or the condition has advanced to the point of fluid accumulation, it becomes necessary to perform a surgical vitrectomy.
PIONEERS IN
OCULAR SURGERY
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WE FINANCE YOUR TREATMENT
SO THAT LOOKING AFTER YOURSELF WILL NOT COME AT AN EXCESSIVE COST
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FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
Select any of the following FAQs from our patients and check the answers. If your doubts are not solved please use the contact form below to get in touch with us.
Can I have a second retinal tear if I already had one?
Yes. In fact, having a retinal tear makes retinal tears more frequent in the same eye or in the collateral eye. Periodic examinations are important to detect them.
When should I have my eyes checked?
Your doctor will determine the frequency of examination. Depending on the cause of retinal tear (spontaneous tear, trauma, tissue degeneration, or underlying retinal weakness) examination will be more or less frequent and treatment will be required or not.
Can retinal tear lead to retinal detachment?
Yes. If retinal tear is left untreated it will in most cases lead to rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (the separation of the neurosensory retina from the underlying retinal pigment epithelium by fluid traversing from the vitreous cavity into the subretinal space).
Will I have vision loss because of retinal tear?
If retinal tear does not complicate into hemovitreous or retinal detachment, it will not generally cause vision loss. Retinal tears are most frequently located on the peripheral area of the retina and the field of vision is not usually affected, even when photocoagulation treatment is carried out.
Can I lead a normal life after a retinal tear?
Doctors recommend avoiding physical efforts and relative rest until the tear is completely sealed and does not imply any risks.
First visit
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