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Learn more about retinal detachments and tears by scheduling an appointment with the experts at Retina Consultants of Miami in Miami, FL, now!
Have you recently started noticing an increase in flashes and floaters in your eyes? Does it seem like your peripheral vision is darkening?
These are some signs of a detached retina, which, if left untreated, can cause permanent vision loss. At Retina Consultants of Miami, our talented team of ophthalmologists can diagnose and treat many retina conditions, including retinal tears and detachments.
A retinal tear is a tear or hole in the retina. Retinal tears often occur due to aging, when the vitreous in the eye gets thinner.
The vitreous is the jelly-like substance that fills the middle of your eye that keeps it round. It also ensures it remains attached to the retina.
If the vitreous gets thinner as you age, it may start sticking to your retina and pulling on it. Pulling on the retina hard enough can cause the vitreous to rip or tear away from the retina.
When the retina tears, you may see a sudden increase in flashes or floaters. Left untreated, a retinal tear may lead to a retinal detachment.
You may have a retinal tear if you experience the following signs:
If you recognize these signs, contact your ophthalmologist immediately. If you have had a retinal tear, seeing them as soon as possible is essential to avoid permanent vision loss or a retinal detachment.
A retinal detachment is a serious condition that causes permanent vision loss if you do not receive immediate treatment. If you have a retinal detachment, the retina has pulled away and lifted from the back of the eye.
Many times, you may experience a retinal tear before the retina detaches. You’re at a higher risk for a retinal detachment if:
If you know that you are at an increased risk of developing a retinal detachment, talk to your eye doctor at Retina Consultants of Miami to determine the best schedule for having comprehensive eye exams and how to protect your eyes.
Learn more about retinal detachments and tears by scheduling an appointment with the experts at Retina Consultants of Miami in Miami, FL, now!
Treating a retinal detachment depends on its severity. You and your ophthalmologist will discuss your best options, which in some cases may include a combination of treatments:
If your eye doctor notices a retinal tear before it becomes a detachment, they can use thermal therapy or cryopexy. The thermal treatment uses a laser to seal a tear, while cryopexy uses a freezing tool. Both devices create scarring that helps hold your retina in place.
During pneumatic retinopexy, your eye doctor will inject a small gas bubble into the vitreous of your eye. The gas bubble closes the tear by pressing against your retina. Pneumatic retinopexy is often recommended if you have a retinal detachment that isn’t as extreme or extensive. You may need cryopexy or a laser to seal the tear. Any fluid collected under your retina gets absorbed into your body. By closing the tear, your retina can stick to the wall of your eye again.
Another method used to treat retinal detachments is a scleral buckle. During this procedure, you’ll have a silicone band (the buckle) placed around your eye to hold your retina in place and help it heal. Cryopexy or laser treatment is then used to seal the retinal tear.
During a vitrectomy, you’ll have the vitreous in your eye removed. In its place, you’ll have air, oil, or gas added to put the retina back.
