Your retina is a thin, light-sensitive layer of tissue lining the back of your eye. It detects light and converts it into electrical signals, which your brain interprets as vision. A retinal tear happens when part of this delicate layer gets a rip or break.
Retinal tears don’t always cause noticeable symptoms at first. But, left untreated, the tear can allow fluid to seep through it and make your retina lift away from the underlying area — resulting in a much more serious condition called retinal detachment, which can lead to vision loss.
So, what do you need to know about protecting your vision? Anthony Cirino, DO, and our team at Cirino Eye Center can help. We offer comprehensive eye exams at our office in Brunswick, Ohio. Let’s look at what can cause a retinal tear, signs to watch for, and what to do if you’re experiencing vision changes.
A few different factors can lead to a retinal tear. Some are natural changes within your body, and others come from outside influences, like an injury.
As you age, the gel-like vitreous that fills your eye can shrink, thicken, or pull away from your retina. When the vitreous tugs on the retina, especially where it adheres more tightly, that pull can cause a tear.
If you’re significantly nearsighted, the shape of your eye can put extra stretch or stress on your retina and increase your risk of tears.
A blow to the eye or head, or any significant jolt, can lead to a retinal tear. Even certain eye surgeries may increase risk.
Some parts of your retina may be naturally thinner, more fragile, or have pre-existing weak spots (e.g. lattice degeneration). These areas are more susceptible when stress or traction occurs.
If you or someone you’re related to has had a retinal tear in the past, your chances of one in the future are higher.
It’s important to note that retinal tears don’t always cause obvious symptoms at first. The best way to protect your vision is by getting routine eye exams, during which we examine the health of your eyes and assess your vision.
However, knowing the symptoms of a retinal tear can help you act fast. Warning signs of a possible retinal tear include:
Tiny specks, strings, or cobweb-shaped shadows drifting in your field of vision — especially if you’re seeing a lot more than usual — can be an early warning of a retinal tear. Dr. Cirino and our team specialize in diagnosing and treating floaters, and we can help you find out what’s causing them.
Brief flashes or flickers of light, especially in your peripheral (side) vision, often accompany vitreous traction or pulling on the retina.
You may notice areas of your vision that appear blurry, or maybe shapes seem distorted, particularly in areas near or part of the tear.
If a retinal tear progresses, fluid may lift part of your retina and create a shadow or “curtain” effect in your vision that starts from the edges and moves inward.
If part of your vision suddenly disappears, or a dark area shows up and doesn’t go away, it could mean that the tear is more serious or detachment has begun.
If you notice any of the warning signs above, don’t wait — get an eye exam right away. We offer comprehensive eye exams with dilation, which allow us to see your retina clearly and look for tears or breaks.
If we find a retinal tear, we discuss your treatment options at the time. We can treat many small tears in the office with laser therapy or cryotherapy to seal the edges of the tear and prevent fluid from passing beneath your retina, which helps prevent progression to detachment.
We also provide follow-up care and monitoring. Even after your retinal tear is repaired, regular follow-ups and monitoring are necessary to ensure the retina remains healthy, especially if you have other risk factors.
A retinal tear is a serious but treatable eye condition, especially when it’s caught early. Floating spots or sudden flashes aren’t always dangerous, but they can be the first sign of trouble in your retina. Schedule a consultation at Cirino Eye Center online or call us at 330-222-8528 to learn more.
