Retinal Tears and Detachment in Bensalem, PA
What are Retinal Tears and Detachment?
Retinal tears and detachment are commonly triggered as the vitreous gel inside the eye begins to contract and deteriorate with age. This condition can also arise from incidents of eye trauma or following eye surgery. The shrinking vitreous gel can cling to the retina, pulling on it and potentially causing a tear that may advance to a detachment if not addressed. In patients with diabetes, retinal detachment can also occur due to damage in the eye’s blood vessels. These events in the retina are not accompanied by pain, making it crucial to schedule a visit to IC Laser Eye Care or Suburban Eye Associates upon noticing symptoms, like new floaters, flashes of light, or a “curtain” shadowing part of your field of vision. Our board-certified ophthalmologists are committed to providing attentive care, conducting comprehensive eye exams, and offering the best medical and surgical treatments for retinal issues.
How are Retinal Tears and Detachment Treated?
If you experience increased flashes or floaters, blurred vision, or difficulties with side vision, it’s very important to arrange a consultation as soon as possible to avoid any damage. Catching a retinal tear early is necessary to prevent it from evolving into a complete detachment. For those diagnosed with a retinal tear, we provide laser treatments designed to encircle the tear with a protective barrier, preventing fluid from seeping through and causing further retina detachment. This technique dramatically reduces the likelihood of additional detachment. For the procedure, your eye will be numbed using anesthetic drops. A laser is then employed to fortify the area around the tear with the laser’s light sealing the surrounding region to prevent fluid from undermining the retina. You may experience some minor discomfort and temporary blurred vision following your procedure.
What are the symptoms of Retinal Tears and Detachment?
Retinal tears refer to minor breaks in the retina’s fabric, whereas retinal detachments signify a complete disconnection of the retinal tissue from the back part of the eye. The indicators for both a torn retina and a detached retina overlap and can encompass the following:
- New floaters in the vision
- Blurred vision
- Regular occurrences of light flashes
- Loss of side vision
- Shadows or dark areas in your vision
Though the symptoms mirror each other, retinal detachments pose a greater risk, potentially leading to vision loss if not addressed promptly. If you observe any alterations in your vision, it’s crucial to evaluate it immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there anything I can do to prevent retinal tears or detachment?
While you can’t always prevent retinal tears or detachment, you can lower your risk by protecting your eyes from trauma, managing underlying conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, and getting regular eye exams — especially if you are at high risk. If you are nearsighted, have a family history of retinal problems, or have had eye surgery in the past, it’s particularly important to be proactive about your eye health. Wearing protective eyewear during sports or high-risk activities, avoiding sudden heavy lifting, and staying aware of any vision changes can also help in early detection and prevention.
Does a retinal detachment affect both eyes at the same time?
In most cases, retinal detachment occurs in one eye at a time. However, if you have experienced a detachment in one eye, you are at an increased risk of developing it in the other. This is why people with a history of retinal tears or detachment in one eye need careful monitoring of both eyes. Some conditions, like high myopia or certain connective tissue disorders, can make both retinas more fragile, increasing the chances of detachment happening in both eyes over time.
If I've had a retinal tear or detachment, does that mean my vision will never be the same?
It depends on the severity and how quickly it was treated. If a retinal tear is detected and treated early, most people recover their vision fully with minimal long-term effects. However, if a detachment is severe or affects the central part of the retina (the macula), there may be some degree of permanent vision loss or distortion. Some people experience lingering floaters or a slight reduction in peripheral vision even after successful treatment. The sooner a detachment is addressed, the better the chances of preserving your vision.