Retinal Tear/Hole

Retinal tears can be caused by eye injuries or sagging vitreous. Often there may be very few early warning signs related to retinal tears, but these may include nearsightedness, or previous retinal detachment.

At the Annan Retina Eye Center we will discuss with you the many risks associated with retinal tears. If left ignored there is a high risk of retinal detachment and ultimately permanent damage to your eye which will require emergency surgery.

What are the symptoms?

The sudden appearance of many floaters
Flashes of light in one or both eyes
Blurred vision
Gradually reduced peripheral vision
A curtain-like shadow over your visual field

What causes a retinal tear?

Often associated with aging, a retinal tear is caused by the vitreous pulling away or if you have

Suffered an eye injury
Family history of retinal problems
Suffer from diabetes

“This image was originally published in the Retina Image Bank® website.

Author and Photographer: Jason S Calhoun. Horseshoe Tear Before Laser Treatment. Retina Image Bank. 2013; 7698. © the American Society of Retina Specialists."

Treatments

Laser photocoagulation - performed on an outpatient basis as it requires no surgical incision. The procedure involves heating the tissue around the tear to seal it. This prevents fluids from leaking under the retina and prevents retinal detachment.

Cryopexy - is a procedure designed to freeze the tissue around the tear, sealing the edges of the retinal tear. As an outpatient the eye is first numbed by local anesthesia.

Schedule an appointment

If you are experiencing any signs of a retinal tear please schedule a visit with Dr El Annan at the Annan Retina Eye Center. Please call 346-22A-NNAN to speak to a member of staff who will be more than happy to help you.