The retina is a thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye. The light from the lens and cornea of the eye is projected onto the retina where, with the help of optic nerves, the light is perceived into images by the brain. The retina needs a constant supply of oxygen and nourishment for it to do its job properly. It gets this nourishment and oxygen from the various arteries carrying the oxygenated blood from the heart and veins draining the deoxygenated blood to send it back.
Retinal tear or detachment is an emergency condition in which the retina (thin layer of tissue) gets torn or detached. This cuts off the blood supply carrying nourishment and oxygen. The longer the blood supply is cut off the more the chances are that the patient will lose vision completely. Getting in touch with a retina detachment surgery specialist in Vadodara immediately is very crucial to save the patient from going blind.
Symptoms of a Retinal tear or Detachment
Retinal tears are painless. However, these tears are accompanied by either all the following symptoms or most of them:
- A sudden occurrence of too many tiny black or grey spots/lines that seems to move away when you try to look at them. These are called floaters.
- A curtain-like shadow obstructing your vision
- Flashes of light in your vision
- Sudden blurry vision
- Gradual reduction of peripheral vision
If any of these symptoms are seen in a patient, he should be taken to a retina tear laser surgery specialist in Vadodara immediately.
Causes of Retinal Tears and Detachment
Retinal tears and detachment happen due to the changes in the jelly-like material, called the vitreous, between the lens and retina. Although, why the consistency of vitreous fluid changes remains unclear but these changes are seen frequently in people who:
- Are highly myopic (short-sighted)
- Have a family history of retinal detachment
- Are over 50 years of age
- Have an eye injury
- Have had an eye operation such as cataract removal
- Have a history of eye diseases or disorders
Difference between retinal tears and retinal detachment
Retinal tears refers to tiny holes or ‘tears’ in the retinal tissue (like in a sieve) whereas retinal detachment is a breaking-off/separation of a part of retinal tissue from the back of the eye.
A retinal tear majorly is a precursor to retinal detachment.
It should be noted that both retinal tears and retinal detachment are painless and have the same symptoms.
To know more about retina tear surgery in Vadodara get in touch with Dr Aanal Shah.
How long does it take for a retinal tear to turn into a retinal detachment?
Retinal tears more often than not turn into retinal detachments. However, there is no fixed time frame for the retinal tear to progress to detachment. The progression depends on various factors such as the size of the retinal tears, the number of tears, the age of the patient, etc.
Dr Aanal Shah is a retinal detachment surgery specialist in Vadodara and one of the few expert doctors who has performed extensive retinal tear surgeries in Vadodara.
FAQs
What is a retinal detachment?
A retinal detachment occurs when the retina, the thin layer of tissue that lines the inside of the eye, pulls away from its normal position. If not treated promptly, retinal detachment can cause permanent vision loss.
What are retinal tears?
A retinal tear is a rip in the retina, the clear, thin tissue that lines the inside of your eye and sends images to your brain. A retinal tear may occur if the gel-like substance inside your eye (vitreous) pulls away from the retina.
How is a retinal detachment or tear is diagnosed?
A retinal detachment or tear is typically diagnosed by an ophthalmologist during a routine eye examination. If the ophthalmologist suspects a retinal detachment or tear, he or she will likely perform a comprehensive examination of the eye, including a dilated fundus exam. This exam allows the doctor to get a better view of the retina and look for any signs of detachment or tearing.