How to Keep a Retinal Tear from Evolving into a Detachment

While potentially dangerous on their own, retinal tears also often precede retinal detachment — an eye emergency that can lead to blindness. However, getting prompt treatment can keep a retinal tear from evolving into a detachment. 

You need to know your risk factors and the warning signs to take action and get the help you need quickly. 

The team of expert ophthalmologists here at Retina Specialists offers expert treatment to protect the vision and eye health of patients in Dallas, DeSoto, Plano, Mesquite, and Waxahachie, Texas. We provide state-of-the-art eye exams, treatments, and advice to help you keep your eyes healthy.

Retinal tears and detachments

Retinal tears are relatively common eye problems. They usually occur when your vitreous changes texture with age and pulls on your retina, tearing a small piece of it away from the back of your eye. 

Your risk of a retinal tear or detachment increases with age. If you have severe myopia (nearsightedness) or have had eye surgery or an eye injury, you have a higher chance of having a retinal tear. 

Retinal tears deprive your retina of oxygen, which can lead to permanent damage and vision loss. However, the small tear can also allow liquid to seep under the retina, which causes detachment. If you have signs of a retinal tear or detachment, it’s critical to get immediate attention from one of our experienced ophthalmologists. 

Know the warning signs of a retinal tear

Almost everyone gets occasional floaters — the grey or transparent specs that float across your vision. Most of the time, you see one or two of them. However, a sudden increase of floaters, which might look like a shower or a curtain of floaters, signifies a retinal tear or detachment. 

Other warning signs of a retinal tear include flashes of light, shadows or veils over your vision, sudden blurry vision, or decreased peripheral vision. If you notice any of these symptoms, call us right away.

See one of our ophthalmologists

We offer comprehensive eye exams, including cutting-edge retinal scans and tests to diagnose retinal tears and detachments. If you have one of these conditions, we also provide photocoagulation, cryopexy, or surgeries like vitrectomy to repair your retina and protect your vision.

Prompt action and treatment are essential to preserving your vision and preventing your condition from worsening. 

Take care of your eyes

You can reduce your risk of retinal tears and other eye health problems by protecting your eyes. For example, you should wear protective goggles when doing DIY projects and playing sports like hockey, lacrosse, or baseball. 

You should also take care of your overall health and make sure that you keep conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes under control. Eating a healthy diet and getting at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week goes a long way toward protecting your health.

Having routine eye exams, even if you don’t need glasses or contact lenses, is an integral part of protecting your eye health and vision. Most eye diseases and problems, including retinal weakness or vitreous changes, don’t cause symptoms in their early stages. We can diagnose and treat issues before they put your vision at risk. 

If you’re concerned that you may have a retinal tear, or if you haven’t had your eyes checked for a while, give us a call to schedule a comprehensive eye exam today.