General Information About Retinal Tears
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is a mechanical tear or hole that occurs due to pulling or weakening in the retina, the nerve layer that lines the inner back wall of our eye like wallpaper and enables vision.
A retinal tear NEVER causes PAIN. There are two most typical symptoms:
1- Flashes of Light: Sudden camera flash (lightning) images flashing in the corner of the eye, even in a dark room or when the eyes are closed.
2- Floaters: The sudden appearance of dense black specks flying around in the visual field, resembling soot or spider webs.
A tear alone does not cause blindness. However, if left untreated, the fluid inside the eye leaks through that tear and gets under the retinal membrane, completely peeling it off like wallpaper (Detachment). This is a medical emergency that causes permanent BLINDNESS within seconds.
A patient experiencing flashes of light or floaters should see an eye doctor without delay. The pupil is dilated with eye drops, and the extreme edges of the retina are examined with special lenses (fundus examination) to detect the tear.
If the tear has not yet turned into a detachment (membrane separation), treatment is very simple. In outpatient conditions, the membrane is 'welded' (stapled) to the wall by making pinpoint shots around the tear with an Argon Laser device. The procedure is painless and takes 5-10 minutes. If the membrane has already peeled off, an eye surgery called Vitrectomy is required in an operating room.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
