Retinal tear (retinal break): symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
A retinal tear is a condition in which a defect appears in the inner lining of the eye. If not treated promptly, fluid leaks under the lining. This leads to a detachment, leading to vision loss.
In our practice, we see that the earlier a retinal tear is detected, the higher the chance of a gentler treatment. In this article, we'll tell you how to recognize the problem, how diagnosis is performed, and why you shouldn't delay.
specialists
equipment
treatment
Why does retinal detachment occur?
Most often, a retinal tear is associated with internal tension and peripheral thinning. Less commonly, it is caused by trauma. Let's look at the main mechanisms.
Myopia and thinning of the periphery of the shell
With myopia, the eye is elongated, and the peripheral membrane is stretched and thinned. These areas often become weak spots, where defects can more easily develop. Therefore, it is important for people with myopia to regularly examine the periphery of the fundus.
Eye trauma and physical activity
A direct blow, a concussion, or sudden physical exertion can damage the delicate membrane. Those with already weakened peripheral vision are especially at risk. After an eye injury, it's important to see a doctor. Don't delay the visit, even if your vision hasn't changed.
Age-related changes in the vitreous body
With age, the vitreous humor—the gel-like substance inside the eye—thickens and separates from the membrane. During this separation, the vitreous humor pulls on the membrane, which can cause a tear. This is one of the most common causes of this defect in older people.
How to recognize a retinal tear
The insidious thing is that the defect itself doesn't hurt. Characteristic visual symptoms of a retinal tear help to recognize it. The sooner you notice the symptoms of a retinal tear, the better your chances of preserving your vision.
Flashes, "lightning," and photopsia
A common first sign is flashes before your eyes, especially noticeable in the dark or when moving your eyes. These are also called photopsies: they are short light signals caused by tension in the retinal membrane. When flashes appear before your eyes, the retinal membrane is experiencing traction, and this is a reason for an urgent examination. Persistent flashes before your eyes should not be ignored.
Floaters, floaters, and a "curtain" in front of the eye
The second typical sign is sudden floaters and spots in front of the eyes. A large number of these spots is called myodesopsia, and the sudden appearance of new floaters is alarming. If a shadow or "curtain" appears on the side of the visual field, this may indicate a detachment.
When is an urgent ophthalmologist consultation needed?
A warning sign is when flashes and floaters appear together and intensify. If a "curtain" or loss of part of the visual field is present, seek immediate medical attention. In such cases, an ophthalmologist will examine the eye the same day.
If you experience flashes, lightning, or sudden spots before your eyes, don't delay your appointment: the sooner a retinal tear is detected, the better your chance of preserving your vision.
General information
Diagnosing a retinal detachment
Diagnosing a retinal detachment begins with a detailed examination of the fundus. Our goal is to locate the retinal break, assess its location, and determine whether a retinal detachment has begun. The choice of treatment depends on this.
Fundus examination with pupil dilation
The key method is ophthalmoscopy with pupil dilation. After instilling drops, the pupil dilates, and the doctor examines the periphery of the retinal membrane, where the defect is most often hidden. Without pupil dilation, this examination is incomplete, so we perform it if a problem is suspected.
OCT, eye ultrasound, and other examination methods
For more information, OCT (optical coherence tomography) is used, which shows the retinal membrane layer by layer. If opacities interfere with the examination, an ocular ultrasound can be helpful. Together, OCT and ocular ultrasound provide a complete picture and identify hidden changes.
How a doctor assesses the risk of retinal detachment
The doctor checks for fluid around the defect and whether the vitreous is pulling on the retinal membrane. These signs indicate a high risk and require prompt attention. This is how we assess the likelihood of developing retinal detachment.
Who especially needs regular fundus examinations?
Some patients require routine fundus examinations more often than others. This helps detect dangerous changes early. Below are the patients who especially need urgent fundus examinations:
- Patients with high myopia
- Those who have had eye injuries
- People with sudden flashes and floaters
- Patients after ophthalmic surgery
- Patients with peripheral retinal dystrophy
If you fall into these groups, it's important to have routine fundus examinations regularly.
Patients with nearsightedness
With nearsightedness, the periphery of the eye is thinned, and the risk of defects is higher. We recommend regular examinations with dilation for these patients. This is the basis for preventing retinal detachment.
After eye injuries and surgeries
A history of eye injury or surgery increases the risk of damage to the retinal detachment. Even with good vision, it's worth seeing a doctor for a checkup. This helps identify problems before they become complaints.
For peripheral retinal dystrophies
If peripheral retinal dystrophy has been previously diagnosed, areas of weakness require monitoring. Sometimes they are strengthened with laser prophylaxis. The doctor determines the appropriate course of action after an examination.
FAQ
Short answers to the questions most often asked during appointments.
What's the danger of a retinal tear?
Why is a shadow on the side dangerous if vision in the center of the eye is still normal?
Is it possible to avoid surgery?
What symptoms shouldn't be ignored?
What should you do after treatment?
Clinical Guidelines Portal of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation — https://cr.minzdrav.gov.ru/
Federal Electronic Medical Library — https://femb.ru/
Ophthalmology Bulletin — https://www.mediasphera.ru/journal/vestnik-oftalmologii
Russian Medical Journal, Ophthalmology Section — https://www.rmj.ru/articles/oftalmologiya/
EyePress - https://eyepress.ru/
Our doctors
This award is given to clinics with the highest ratings according to user ratings, a large number of requests from this site, and in the absence of critical violations.
This award is given to clinics with the highest ratings according to user ratings. It means that the place is known, loved, and definitely worth visiting.
The ProDoctors portal collected 500 thousand reviews, compiled a rating of doctors based on them and awarded the best. We are proud that our doctors are among those awarded.
Make an appointment at a convenient time on the nearest date
Price
Other services
Appointment to the doctor
Reviews
Our clinics
Application “Personal Account K+31”
What is a retinal tear and why is it dangerous?
The retina is a thin, light-sensitive membrane that lines the inside of the eye and transmits images to the brain. When a defect develops, it means a retinal tear has formed. While small, it allows fluid to leak underneath the membrane.
The main danger is retinal detachment. Through the defect, fluid leaks under the membrane, lifting it. This causes rapid vision loss. Therefore, at the first warning signs, you should immediately consult a doctor while the process is still reversible.