Retinal Tears Specialist
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Mile High Retina: Mark E. Patron, MD
Board Certified Ophthalmologist & Retina Surgeon located in Denver, Colorado
Retinal tears are potentially serious, and immediate treatment is the best way to prevent retinal detachment. At Mile High Retina, board-certified ophthalmologist and retina surgeon Mark E. Patron, MD, offers the best in retinal care at the main location located in Denver, Colorado. Get treatment for your retinal tear early before it takes your vision. Call the office today.
Retinal Tears Q & A
What is a retinal tear?
A retinal tear is a rip in the retina, the thin layer of nerve cells at the back of your eye. Your retina is crucial for your eyesight, sending signals to your brain that allow you to form visual images.
Without treatment, a retinal tear can lead to a retinal detachment in which your retina peels away from the back wall of your eye. You could also experience a vitreous hemorrhage, in which you bleed into the vitreous gel that fills the back of your eye.
Retinal tears are potentially serious conditions. If not treated properly, a retinal detachment may develop and cause permanent blindness.
What causes retinal tears?
Retinal tears can be a side effect of posterior vitreous detachment or PVD. PVD is a normal process that usually occurs around age 60 when the gel-like vitreous near the retina liquifies and shrinks.
In most cases, posterior vitreous detachment happens without issue, but occasionally, your vitreous might adhere to your retina firmly as it separates. As the vitreous pulls away, it may cause a tear in your retina.
Certain factors can increase your risk of retinal tears, including:
- Myopia (nearsightedness)
- Previous eye surgery
- Eye trauma
- Previous retinal tear or detachment in your opposite eye
- Family history of retinal detachments
If you have any of these risk factors, or if Dr. Patron observes an area in your retina that is vulnerable to tearing, he can help you take precautions to avoid a retinal tear or detachment.
What are the symptoms of a retinal tear?
If you have an acute retinal tear, you might experience sudden flashes and floaters.
If your retinal tear includes a vitreous hemorrhage or retinal detachment, you might also have hazy vision or shadows closing off your peripheral vision.
How are retinal tears treated?
In treating retinal tears, Dr. Patron's primary goal is to seal the tear and avoid complications like retinal detachment. There are two main options: laser photocoagulation and cryopexy.
With these procedures, Dr. Patron uses heat (laser) or cold (cryopexy) to weld the area surrounding your tear. This helps to seal the tear and prevents fluid from detaching the retina.
With prompt treatment of retinal tears, retinal detachments can be avoided. Call the office today.
