Retinal Detachments Specialist

What is a retinal tear?

A retinal tear happens when the vitreous gel that fills your eye tugs at your retina hard enough to tear it. If you have a retinal tear, you might experience symptoms like floaters (lines or other shapes floating in your visual field) or flashes (stars or streaks of light). 

How are retinal tears treated?

A retinal tear has a high risk of evolving into a full-blown retinal detachment, which can cause blindness. 

If you seek help for a retinal tear promptly, your Retina Specialists ophthalmologist can perform an in-office laser treatment that helps secure the retina to prevent the tear from turning into a retinal detachment.

What is a retinal detachment?

A retinal detachment happens when inner-eye fluid passes through a retinal tear. This lifts your retina off the back wall of your eye. 

If you suffer a retinal detachment, common symptoms can include not only floaters and flashes but also a dark veil over your vision. If untreated, a retinal detachment can cause blindness, so acting quickly is absolutely essential. 

How are retinal detachments treated?

Retinal detachments are an emergency that requires surgery to prevent vision loss. A vitrectomy is typically an outpatient procedure that your Retina Specialists ophthalmologist performs in a hospital setting, while you're under anesthesia. 

During a vitrectomy, your ophthalmologist removes the vitreous gel that's tugging at your retina, and then injects a gas or oil bubble in its place. This guides your retina back into place in the back of your eye, correcting your vision problems. 

Depending on your needs, your ophthalmologist may combine a vitrectomy with a scleral buckle, a movable band that fits around your eye to repair retinal tears and prevent your retina from moving.

Am I at risk for retinal detachment?

Certain conditions increase your risk of retinal detachment, including:

• Myopia
• Past eye surgery
• Eye trauma
• Diabetes
• Immediate relatives with retinal detachment
• Medications that shrink the pupil

Age can also be a risk factor, as most retinal detachments happen after age 50. Your Retina Specialists ophthalmologist checks your inner eye for signs of retinal tears and detachments during your comprehensive eye exams. 

But, if you suddenly see increased floaters, flashes, or a curtain over your vision, see an ophthalmologist for help promptly.

The Retina Specialists team is here to help with both retinal tears and detachments. Use the online scheduler or call the office nearest you now.