Retinal Tears
This photo shows a ‘horseshoe’ or ‘U-shaped’ retinal tear seen during an operation for an epiretinal membrane. I am pushing on the wall of the eye to make the tear more apparent. The retina has been torn to reveal the orange-coloured inside wall of the eye. This tear was previously treated with laser as fine black scars can be seen surrounding the tear.
What is a Retinal Tear?
Retinal holes and tears, also known as retinal breaks, are weaknesses that usually occur in the peripheral retina. Both types of defects can allow fluid that normally circulates in the centre of the eye to get under the retina, causing retinal detachment.
Retinal holes are formed when the retina thins too much. Retinal thinning can occur with short-sightedness (or myopia) or peripheral retinal degenerations. Retinal tears are usually caused when the vitreous tugs too hard on the retina during a posterior vitreous detachment. Some retinal tears can develop after trauma to the eye.
What are the symptoms of a retinal tear?
As a retinal tear is usually caused by a posterior vitreous detachment, bright flashing lights and a sudden increase in floaters may signal its formation. A retinal hole does not cause any symptoms, unless it is associated with a retinal detachment.
How do you treat a retinal break?
The majority of retinal holes do not require any treatment. As a new retinal tear has a high risk of causing a retinal detachment, laser treatment to weld the retina around the tear is advised.
What does the laser treatment for retinal tears involve?
Laser treatment is performed on an outpatient basis. The setup is very similar to the examination at your consultation. The pupil in your affected eye will be dilated and anaesthetic drops will be used to numb the surface of your eye. This allows a temporary lens to be placed against your eye that helps to keep your eye still. You will notice bright flashes of light when the laser is used and the treatment lasts a few minutes. There is no special aftercare required.
When the retinal tear is at the very edge of the retina, it may be difficult to completely weld around the tear with the above method. In this situation, the laser treatment can be done with you lying down. This allows a better view of the tear. Sometimes, this may need to be done in theatre or with freezing treatment instead of laser.
Where will I have my treatment take place?
Laser treatment is performed at the Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital.
How long does it take to recover from the laser treatment for retinal tears?
While there is no definite recovery period, I usually advise a few days of rest to allow the weld around retinal break to strengthen.