Retinal Tear Treatment in Las Vegas
A retinal tear is a serious eye condition that requires immediate evaluation by a retina specialist. Without prompt treatment, fluid can pass through the tear and collect beneath the retina, potentially causing a retinal detachment and permanent vision loss.
If you suddenly notice flashing lights, new floaters, or a dark curtain or shadow in your vision, contact Meadows Eye Physicians & Surgeons immediately at (702) 358-0472.
What Is a Retinal Tear?
The retina is a thin layer of light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye. It receives visual information and sends it to the brain, allowing you to see.
The inside of the eye is filled with a clear, gel-like substance called the vitreous. As the vitreous naturally changes and pulls away from the retina, it can sometimes tug hard enough to create a tear.
A retinal tear may allow fluid from the vitreous to pass through the opening and collect behind the retina. This can cause the retina to separate from the back of the eye—a condition known as a retinal detachment.
Retinal Tear Symptoms
Retinal tears are usually painless. Symptoms may appear suddenly and can include:
- New or increasing eye floaters
- Flashes of light, especially in the side vision
- Small spots, lines, specks, or cobweb-like shapes
- Blurry or decreased vision
- A dark shadow or curtain moving across the field of vision
A sudden increase in flashes or floaters requires an urgent dilated retinal examination. A dark curtain, shadow, or loss of peripheral vision may indicate that the retina has already started to detach.
Do not wait for the symptoms to improve on their own. Contact a retina specialist immediately.
Are Flashes and Floaters Always a Retinal Tear?
No. Flashes and floaters frequently occur because of a posterior vitreous detachment, or PVD. This is a common age-related change in which the vitreous gel separates from the retina.
Although many PVDs do not cause serious damage, the same process can sometimes create a retinal tear. There is no way to determine the cause of new flashes and floaters without a comprehensive dilated eye examination.
Who Is at Risk for a Retinal Tear?
Retinal tears can affect anyone, but certain factors may increase the risk:
- Nearsightedness, also called myopia
- Older age
- Posterior vitreous detachment
- Thin areas of the retina, including lattice degeneration
- Previous retinal tear or retinal detachment
- Family history of retinal tears or detachments
- Previous cataract or other eye surgery
- Eye injury or trauma
People with significant nearsightedness may have longer-than-average eyes and thinner peripheral retinas, making them more susceptible to retinal tears.
Retinal Tear Care in Las Vegas
New flashes and floaters should never be ignored. Early evaluation can mean the difference between a brief in-office laser procedure and more extensive retinal detachment surgery.
Meadows Eye Physicians & Surgeons provides specialized retinal evaluations and treatment throughout the Las Vegas area. If you are experiencing symptoms of a retinal tear, call our office immediately.
Call (702) 358-0472 for an urgent retinal evaluation.
If you cannot promptly reach an eye specialist and are experiencing a curtain, shadow, or sudden loss of vision, seek emergency medical attention.