Retinal Tear vs Detachment: How Do They Differ?

A retinal tear and a detachment are similar eye conditions that can potentially lead to vision loss. Both retinal conditions have similar symptoms and require immediate medical attention. Recognizing symptoms of a retinal tear or detachment is crucial to receiving treatment and preventing long-term complications including vision loss. 

The article below takes a look at retinal tears versus detachment including causes, symptoms, and treatment.
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Retina function 

Before understanding the difference between a retinal tear and retinal detachment, it's helpful to learn a little bit about the vital role the retina plays in vision.

The retina is located in the back of the eye behind the lens, iris, and vitreous body. The retina senses incoming light and converts it into nerve signals. These signals are sent to the brain through the optic nerve. The brain receives the signals, processes them, and uses them to see.
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What is a retinal tear?

A retinal tear involves a hole or tear in the tissue of the retina. A tear can develop when the vitreous pulls on the retina. The vitreous is a gel inside the eye which helps provide nourishment to the eye and gives it its shape. This is a normal process that does not usually affect vision. As we age, the vitreous can become liquified, shrink and pull away from the retina creating a tear. Less frequently, trauma to the eye can lead to a retinal tear. 

Risk factors 

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, there are certain factors that increase your risk of developing a torn retina including the following: 

• Advanced age 
• Having previous glaucoma, cataract, or other type of eye surgery
• Needing glasses for nearsightedness
• Having a retinal tear or detachment in the other eye
• Having weak areas in your retina which have been diagnosed through an eye exam
• Having a serious eye injury

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Symptoms of a retinal tear

Not all retinal tears cause symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur it is essential to get immediate medical treatment to prevent a retinal detachment from developing.

Symptoms of a retinal tear include: 

• Seeing flashing lights
• Noticing new floaters
• A gray curtain covering part of your field of vision
• A shadow appearing in your peripheral vision

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Treatment of retinal tears 

If a retinal tear is small and does not cause any symptoms, it may heal on its own without any treatment. However, it is still vital to see a retinal specialist to determine if treatment is needed. When treatment is recommended, it may involve laser retinopexy. This treatment involves surrounding the tear with laser in order to create scar tissue which holds the retina in place. Cryopexy, or freezing the area around the tear, is another possible treatment option for repairing retinal tears.

What is a retinal detachment?

A retinal detachment develops when the retina pulls or lifts away from its normal position in the back of the eye. A retinal detachment is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment to prevent vision loss. A retinal detachment is more serious than a retinal tear and always requires a visit to a retinal specialist.

Symptoms of retinal detachment

A retinal detachment differs from a retinal tear in that symptoms usually always develop. Symptoms of retinal detachment include the following: 

• Floaters
• Blurred vision
• Loss of side vision
• Flashes

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Treating retinal detachments

Treatment for retinal detachments should occur as soon as possible. Surgery is required to repair the detachment. The specific type of surgery depends on the severity of the retinal detachment. Possible surgical options include:

• Scleral buckling: placement of a silicone band to hold the retina in place
• Pneumatic retinopexy: use of cryopexy or laser to seal the retina against the wall of the eye in conjunction with placement of a gas bubble in the eye
• Vitrectomy: removal of the vitreous with subsequent reattachment of the retina, laser retinopexy, and placement of an intraocular gas bubble

Remember, the retina plays an essential role in your vision. If you develop any visual symptoms of a retinal tear or detachment, do not delay seeing a specialist. Early diagnosis and treatment may reduce your risk of vision loss.
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If you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.