Retinal Detachments and Retinal Tears

The retina, located at the back of your eye, is essential for sharp central vision, allowing you to read, drive, and see fine details. When the retina pulls away from its normal position, it is called a retinal detachment. In some cases, the retina develops a retinal tear, which can lead to detachment if left untreated.

Retinal detachments and tears can occur at any age but are more common in people over 40, women, or individuals with a history of eye injury.

Symptoms of Retinal Tears and Detachments

Retinal detachments are a medical emergency. Seek immediate care if you notice any of these signs:

Sudden appearance of many floaters — tiny specks drifting in your vision
Flashes of light in one or both eyes
Blurred vision
Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision
A curtain-like shadow over part of your visual field

Causes and Risk Factors

Retinal damage may result from:

Aging – vitreous gel separation can cause a tear
Eye injury
Advanced diabetes
High nearsightedness
Previous retinal detachment in the other eye
Family history of retinal detachment
Cataract surgery or other eye procedures
Other eye diseases or trauma

Prompt evaluation is critical to prevent permanent vision loss.

Diagnostic Tests

Retinal Examination

A thorough dilated eye exam using an ophthalmoscope allows your physician to locate tears or detachments with precision.

Ultrasound Imaging

Used when bleeding obstructs the view of the retina, helping detect retinal damage accurately.

Treatments

Retinal Tears

Retinal Detachments

Pneumatic Retinopexy: A gas bubble is injected to press the retina against the back of the eye; the tear is sealed with laser or freezing therapy.
Scleral Buckle: A thin band is placed around the eyeball to push it gently against the detached retina; laser or freezing therapy seals the tear.
Vitrectomy: The vitreous gel is removed and replaced with a sterile solution or gas bubble to stabilize the retina.
Innovative Surgical Research – Ongoing studies include salivary gland transplantation to improve tear production and new methods to enhance artificial cornea longevity.

Why Choose Bascom Palmer Eye Institute?

World-Class Reputation

Patient-Centered Support

Multidisciplinary Care

Innovative Research

FAQ

What is a retinal detachment, and why is it a vision emergency?

The retina—eye’s light sensor—lifts from its backing like wallpaper peeling, flooding with fluid and cutting signals, causing flashes, floaters, or a dark curtain over vision. Tears precede, from vitreous tugs in myopes or trauma; without fix, permanent blind spots ensue—rhegmatogenous type most urgent, hitting 1 in 10,000 yearly.

What risk factors make someone prone to retinal tears or detachments?

High myopia stretches retina, prior cataract surgery loosens vitreous, family history or lattice degeneration flags fragility. Diabetics watch tractional types; post-50, posterior vitreous detachment sparks 10% tears. Symptoms? Laser seals prophylactically, nipping crises.

How are retinal detachments diagnosed quickly?

Dilated exam spots tears as horseshoe rips, OCT/ultrasound images layers for subclinicals. B-scan echoes if media hazy—office or ER, it’s decisive, staging macula involvement for prognosis.

What surgical fixes reattach the retina effectively?

Pneumatic retinopexy bubbles gas to press, scleral buckle indents wall, vitrectomy trims vitreous/lasers—90% success first go, outpatient-ish. Post: positioning, drops; vision rebounds weeks if swift.

What aftercare prevents recurrence after retinal repair?

No flying (gas expands), heavy lifts; annual exams monitor. Contacts if myopic, trauma shields. Most savor restored fields, but scars remind: vigilance guards the win.