Your retina is a layer of tissue that fills the back of your eye cavity and is responsible for giving you clear vision. Three percent of Americans will have a retinal tear in their lifetime, causing blurry vision. 

 

Retinal tears can happen because of aging, when the vitreous, or jelly-like fluid that fills the eye, thins. It can stick to the retina and tear it. This can lead to a more serious condition called retinal detachment, when fluid passes through the tear and detaches the retina. 

 

It’s important to call your doctor immediately if you have symptoms of a retinal tear. Preventive care is crucial in avoiding further vision issues or vision loss. 

 

What are the symptoms of a retinal tear?

 

Regular eye exams with Dr. Bhatia keep your eyes healthy and prevent retinal tears from occurring. This is especially important as you age. Other people at risk include people who are severely nearsighted, have a family history of retinal issues, or have had prior eye surgery or trauma to the eye. 

 

Common symptoms of a retinal tear include:

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• Floaters that look like black spots or cobweb-like strings 

• Photopsia (sudden flashes of light) 

• Bleeding in the eye cavity 

• Blurred vision 

• Shadowed or veiled eyesight 

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Some people don’t experience any symptoms with a retinal tear, so it’s important to have regular checkups. 

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What are my treatment options for a retinal tear?

 

If you have a retinal tear that hasn’t already led to a retinal detachment, treatment has an excellent success rate. 

Laser treatment 

 

Often called photocoagulation, Dr. Bhatia performs this treatment in less than 15 minutes right in his office. He uses a laser to seal the retina to the wall of your eye, preventing fluid from seeping through the tear. This prevents retinal detachment, which can lead to vision loss if left untreated. 

Cryotherapy 

 

This is a freezing procedure that creates scar tissue that seals the retina to the wall of your eye to prevent retinal detachment. Dr. Bhatia performs the treatment in his office with local anesthesia. 

 

These treatments allow you to return to your daily activities immediately. There is a low risk of infection or trauma to other parts of your eyes, given the microscopic nature of the procedures and Dr. Bhatia’s extensive experience. 

 

Reach out online or by phone to book an appointment with Signature Retina Consultants today.