| The most common symptoms preceding a retinal | | | | tear in the retina (or a retinal hole) allows vitreous |
| detachment are flashes and floaters. These | | | | fluid to travel underneath the retina, causing this |
| symptoms may be a sign of a retinal tear. Retinal | | | | delicate tissue to "detach." |
| tears can lead to retinal detachments. A | | | | If a tear is identified, but before a retinal |
| detachment of the retina is potentially blinding. | | | | detachment has developed, laser treatment may |
| Flashes and floaters are the most common | | | | possibly "fix" the tear and prevent a retinal |
| symptoms of a tear in the retina. Though usually | | | | detachment. If a retinal detachment has |
| benign, there is no way of telling if a tear is | | | | developed, surgery is required. There are various |
| associated with new onset of symptoms. Only an | | | | ways to repair a retinal detachment. |
| eye doctor can properly diagnose a retinal tear. | | | | Pneumatic retinopexy, vitrectomy and scleral |
| They can also be asymptomatic. | | | | buckles are different methods to repair this |
| Commonly, a posterior vitreous detachment | | | | potentially blinding problem. Often, they are |
| occurs causing the symptoms of flashes and | | | | successfully repaired, but permanent loss of vision |
| floaters. A posterior vitreous detachment is a | | | | is still possible. |
| normal physiologic event and happens, eventually, | | | | It is recommended by the American Academy of |
| to everyone. The incidence of a "PVD" increases | | | | Ophthalmology that new flashes and floaters be |
| with age and nearsightedness, that is, it is more | | | | examined with 48-72 hours after initial onset. If a |
| likely to occur as you age and with increasing | | | | posterior vitreous detachment is present, but no |
| myopia (nearsightedness). | | | | tear, re-examination is recommended at 6 weeks. |
| Rarely, trauma may cause a retinal tear. In my | | | | Additional flashes and floaters should be |
| experience as a retinal surgeon, severe blunt | | | | re-examined if they develop. |
| trauma, severe enough to cause loss of | | | | Retinal surgery can be an emergency. The key is |
| consciousness, can sometimes cause a retinal | | | | to diagnose a retinal tear before a retinal |
| tear. | | | | detachment develops. If a detachment has |
| The retina is the light sensitive tissue that lines the | | | | occurred, operating to preserve the central vision |
| inside of your eye. It is analogous to wall paper. A | | | | is of utmost importance. |