Conditions We Treat

Retinal Tears

A retinal tear is a serious finding that can lead to retinal detachment if left untreated. Fortunately, most tears can be treated effectively in the office when caught early.

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What Is a Retinal Tear?

A retinal tear occurs when the vitreous gel pulls on the retina with enough force to create a break in the retinal tissue. This most commonly happens during a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), though it can also occur from trauma or in eyes with pre-existing areas of retinal thinning.

Why Retinal Tears Are Serious

If fluid from the vitreous passes through a retinal tear and accumulates beneath the retina, it can cause the retina to separate from the underlying tissue — a retinal detachment. Retinal detachment is a sight-threatening emergency requiring surgical repair. Treating a tear before it detaches is far simpler, safer, and more effective.

Symptoms

Sudden increase in floaters
Flashes of light
Occasionally, a small shadow at the edge of vision
Some tears cause no symptoms and are found on routine examination

Time matters: A retinal tear identified before detachment occurs can usually be treated with in-office laser or cryotherapy. Once the retina detaches, surgery is required.

Treatment

Most symptomatic retinal tears are treated with laser retinopexy — a painless in-office procedure in which laser energy creates a scar around the tear, sealing it to the underlying tissue and preventing fluid from passing through. Cryotherapy is an alternative when laser is not feasible. After treatment, follow-up exams are scheduled to confirm the tear remains sealed.

Urgent Care Available

Retinal tears are treatable when caught early

If you are experiencing sudden floaters or flashes, contact us promptly for a dilated retinal evaluation.