Retinal Tear in the Bay Area – Early Warning Signs & Urgent Treatment
A retinal tear occurs when the vitreous gel inside the eye pulls away from the retina, creating a small break in the tissue. This often happens as part of a natural process called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), but in some cases, the traction is strong enough to tear the retina.
While a retinal tear may start small, it can allow fluid to pass underneath the retina and lead to a retinal detachment, a much more serious condition that can cause permanent vision loss.
Common Symptoms of a Retinal Tear
The most common warning signs include:
- Sudden onset of floaters
- Flashes of light, especially in peripheral vision
- A noticeable change in vision
These symptoms may appear quickly and should never be ignored.
Who Is at Higher Risk?
Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing a retinal tear:
- High myopia (nearsightedness)
- Aging-related changes in the vitreous
- History of eye trauma
- Prior eye surgery
Patients with higher prescriptions are at greater risk and should be especially alert to new symptoms.
Why Early Treatment Matters
A retinal tear is much easier to treat than a retinal detachment. When detected early, treatment can seal the tear and prevent progression, preserving vision and avoiding more complex surgery.
Delaying evaluation increases the risk that fluid will pass through the tear and cause the retina to detach.
How Retinal Tears Are Treated
Treatment is typically performed quickly and may include:
- Laser treatment to seal the tear
- Cryotherapy (freezing treatment) to create a protective scar
These procedures help secure the retina in place and reduce the risk of detachment.
Don’t Wait on New Floaters or Flashes
Sudden floaters or flashes of light are not something to monitor at home.
At Peninsula Laser Eye Medical Group, we perform urgent retinal evaluations to identify tears early and treat them before they progress.
Call us immediately at (650) 961-2585 or schedule an appointment online. If symptoms are new or worsening, same-day evaluation is strongly recommended.