Retinal Tear

Understanding Retinal Tears

A retinal tear occurs when the vitreous gel inside the eye separates from the retina, pulling with sufficient force to create a tear in the retinal tissue. This usually happens as a result of a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD).  Tears can sometimes arise as a result of an injury to the eye, but that is usually a very severe blow directly on the eye. It is the vitreous detachment which causes the symptoms which are typically a sudden onset of flashing lights (photopsia), new or increased floaters, or a shower of dark spots. Retinal tears usually do not usually cause symptoms unless they result in a retinal detachment.  It is important that patients with a sudden change in floaters or flashing lights undergo a retinal examination to find and treat retinal tear(s) present.    

Treatment

Prompt treatment of a tear usually prevents progression to retinal detachment. This is usually with Laser photocoagulation, which effectively welds and seals the retina around the tear. Cryotherapy (freezing treatment) is sometime used and achieves similar results.

Treatment is typically performed as an outpatient procedure and is highly effective when applied promptly. Most patients can return to normal activities within days, though careful monitoring continues to ensure the tear remains stable and no new tears develop.