Retinal Tear
Early Intervention to Prevent Retinal Detachment
Retinal Tear: The black arrow points to a ‘horseshoe’ tear in the peripheral retina.
⚠️ Urgent Evaluation Required
A retinal tear is a serious condition that often requires urgent laser treatment to “weld” the retina around the tear. Call our office immediately at (214) 501-3310 if you notice new flashes or floaters.
If you are unable to reach our office after hours, please go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
At a Glance
- The Cause: The vitreous gel pulls on the retina with enough force to create a break.
- The Risk: Fluid can seep through the tear, leading to a full retinal detachment.
- The Fix: In-office laser treatment is often used to seal the tear and prevent vision loss.
What is a Retinal Tear?
A retinal tear occurs when the vitreous (the gel-like fluid inside the eye) pulls away from the retina with enough force to create a small rip or break. While a tear itself may be small, it is a serious condition that can allow fluid to seep behind the retina, potentially leading to a full detachment.
Common Warning Signs
You should seek a dilated eye exam immediately if you notice:
- Sudden onset of flashes of light (like lightning streaks).
- A sudden swarm of new floaters.
- A “pepper-like” appearance of tiny black spots in your vision.
Prompt Treatment Saves Sight
Early detection and laser treatment of a tear can prevent the need for major surgery. This specialized laser is available right here in our office.
This information is provided for educational purposes and has been reviewed by Dr. Yasser Elshatory.