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Retinal Tear services offered in Haverford, PA
Blurry vision, eye floaters, or light flashes could indicate a retinal tear. At Main Line Retina in Haverford, Pennsylvania, board-certified ophthalmologist Hilary Brader, MD, diagnoses and treats retinal tears to reduce your risk of vision loss.
A retinal tear can occur when the vitreous gel separates from the retina, with aging or from trauma.
The gel pulls on the retina and causes a break. Fluid in the eye can then get underneath of the retina and cause a detachment.
A simple retinal tear can be treated in the office with laser.
If not treated, there is a high risk of progression to a retinal detachment.
Retinal Tear Q & A
What is a retinal tear?
A retinal tear is a condition that occurs when the retina, which is the thin layer of light-sensing tissue that lines the back of the eye, becomes torn or develops a hole. The retina is crucial for vision, as it converts light into signals that are sent to the brain through the optic nerve.
Retina tears can occur due to various factors, such as aging, trauma to the eye, or high myopia (severe nearsightedness). When the retina tears, it can lead to symptoms such as floaters (spots or strings that float across your field of vision), flashes of light, blurry or missing vision.
If left untreated, a retinal tear can progress into a more serious condition called a retinal detachment, where the retina pulls away from the underlying tissue in the back of the eye, leading to severe vision loss or blindness. Therefore, it is essential to seek prompt medical attention if you experience symptoms of a retinal tear. Treatment can repair or seal the tear before it causes detachment or other complications.
What are the symptoms of a retinal tear?
The signs and symptoms of a retinal tear include:
- Blurred vision
- Eye floaters
- Light flashes
- Seeing more floaters than usual
- Seeing black spots
Your symptoms may be nonexistent or mild, at least initially. However, Dr. Brader can detect potential problems during a routine eye exam. Retinal tears can often lead to a retinal detachment, which can cause vision loss when not addressed early.
What increases my risk of a retinal tear?
Potential causes of retinal tears include:
- Eye injuries
- Aging
- Thinning retina
- Being nearsighted
- Family history of retinal detachment or tears
- Eye surgery
Protecting your eyes from injuries may reduce the chance of a retinal tear.
How does my provider diagnose and treat a retinal tear?
Dr. Brader discusses your symptoms and medical history, completes a dilated eye exam and vision testing, and uses a special lens to view the retina in the back of your eyes.
Your treatment plan may include:
Laser treatment
A laser can repair a torn retina and prevent the tear from worsening. It can create a barricade that seals the tear to prevent fluid from getting underneath of the retina and causing a retinal detachment. Main Line Retina has the most advanced laser technology, which Dr. Brader uses to repair your retina with precision and minimal discomfort.
Monitoring
Sometimes, a retinal tear heals on its own. In some cases, your own body can seal the tear on its own. If your tear appears to be chronic (old) and is surrounded by scar tissue, Dr. Brader may recommend monitoring the tear to ensure that it doesn’t progress.
If you have risk factors for a retinal tear, such as a personal or family history of a retinal tear or detachment, are very nearsighted, or have thinning of your retina, you should have regular eye exams to detect and treat problems early.
Schedule a retinal tear evaluation at Main Line Retina by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.