Conditions

Retinal tear

A rip in the retina, requires prompt treatment.

What is a retinal tear?

A retinal tear is a condition that needs to be treated by an ophthalmologist.

A retinal tear is a condition when the thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye called the retina becomes damaged or torn. This can happen if the vitreous gel inside the eye pulls on the retina, causing it to tear.

It could progress to retinal detachment, which requires emergency treatment.

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Symptoms

Identifying a retinal tear quickly and seeking treatment will help to have the best possible outcome for your vision and eye health.

The main symptoms are:

Causes

A retinal tear happens when the vitreous gel within the eye pulls on the retina causing it to split or tear. The retina is a light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye responsible for transmitting visual information to the optic nerve. When torn or detached it affects vision in a variety of ways. If the retina continues to tear and is pulled away from the tissue at the back of the eye this is called retinal detachment, which can lead to permanent vision loss.

Risk factors:

Treatments

Treatments aim to prevent a retinal tear from causing permanent vision loss by repairing the retina. There are two main options available:
Photocoagulation is a laser procedure designed to seal the retinal tear and prevent vitreous fluid from getting behind the retina and potentially causing detachment.
Cryopexy is an alternative in which the tear is sealed by freezing it. Precision use of intensely low temperatures can cause the area to scar over preventing further damage to the retina.
Both procedures are relatively noninvasive and usually have excellent results.

If you are facing any concerns? We're here to help!

Our experts can assist you in booking an appointment to discuss the most suitable treatment options for your specific needs.