Example of retina floaters due to retina tears and detachment

Sometimes the cause of blurry vision is clearly visible. Injuries or pink eye, for example, can often be detected just by looking in the mirror.

But what if the cause of your vision issues lies beneath the surface?

In This Article...

  1. What are the signs of a retina injury?
  2. What is the difference between retinal tear and retinal detachment?
  3. How do you treat retinal tears and detachments?
  4. When should you see a retina specialist?

What are the signs of a retina injury?

Common symptoms of a retinal injury may include:

  • Floaters: Specks or lines that float across your field of vision
  • Blurry vision
  • Photopsia: Flashes of light
  • A shadow over your vision

What is the difference between retinal tear and retinal detachment?

Two common retinal injuries are retinal tears and retinal detachments. Although they may share similar causes—such as blunt-force trauma or age-related changes—there are important differences between the two.

Retinal tear

A retinal tear is a small rip in the retina that can lead to many of the symptoms listed above.

According to Matthew Wilde, MD, a CEENTA retina specialist, "Sometimes a retinal tear can occur without much change in your vision other than a few flashes of light or new floaters. It is important not to ignore these symptoms as early treatment of a retinal tear in clinic can help prevent a much bigger problem of a retinal detachment."

Unlike a retinal detachment, the retina remains attached to the back of the eye.

Retinal detachment

If left untreated, a retinal tear can progress into a more severe condition called retinal detachment. In this scenario, the retina has completely separated from the back of the eye, often causing a shadow or “curtain” over your vision.

Both conditions are painless but are considered medical emergencies.

How do you treat retinal tears and detachments?

Your eye doctor will perform a retinal exam using tools such as a slit lamp to view the back of your eye.

For patients with a retinal tear, treatment may include:

  • Laser Retinopexy: Using laser energy to seal the tear
  • Cryopexy: Using a freezing probe to create a scar that secures the retina

For patients with retinal detachment, surgery is typically required. This may include:

  • Removing the fluid from beneath the retina to reattach the retina
  • Applying laser around any retinal breaks
  • Filling the eye with a gas bubble or silicone oil to help keep the retina attached as it heals
  • Sometimes a silicone band called a scleral buckle is applied around the outside of the eye to help support the retina

When should you see a retina specialist?

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with a retinal tear or detachment, it is important to seek medical attention immediately to prevent further vision loss. At CEENTA, our team of retina specialists can evaluate your condition and recommend appropriate surgical options to help restore your vision.

To get started, call 704‑295‑3000 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Matthew Wilde at CEENTA SouthPark, Blakeney, or Pineville. 

This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor.

 


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