Have you recently noticed flashes of light, new floaters, or a sudden dark shadow in your vision? These could be warning signs of a retinal tear or detachment. At New York Retina Center, Dr. Brandon Johnson provides expert, compassionate care to help preserve your eyesight and protect your long-term vision.
What Are Retinal Detachment
& Retinal Tears?
Retinal detachment and retinal tears are serious eye conditions that affect the retina, the thin, light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye responsible for creating visual images. When the retina is damaged or separated from its normal position, your vision can become blurred, distorted, or even lost if not treated promptly.
Retinal Detachment
A retinal detachment occurs when the retina separates from the underlying layer of supportive tissue that provides oxygen and nourishment. This prevents the retina from functioning properly, leading to the sudden appearance of dark spots, flashes of light, or a shadow that spreads across your field of vision. Retinal detachment is considered a medical emergency because permanent vision loss can occur if not repaired quickly through retinal surgery.
Retinal Tears
A retinal tear is a small break or hole that develops in the retina, often caused by the vitreous gel (the clear substance filling the eye) pulling away from the retina as part of aging or due to trauma. Fluid can leak through the tear and collect under the retina, potentially leading to a full detachment if left untreated. Detecting and repairing a retinal tear early, often through a simple laser or freezing procedure, can prevent more serious complications and protect your vision.
Common Signs & Symptoms of Retinal Detachment & Retinal Tears:
- Sudden appearance of new floaters (small spots or cobweb-like shapes in your vision)
- Flashes of light in one or both eyes
- A shadow, curtain, or gray area spreading across part of your vision
- Blurred or distorted central or peripheral vision
- Sudden decrease in visual clarity or loss of side vision
- A sensation of heaviness or pressure inside the eye
What Causes Retinal Detachment & Retinal Tears?
The retina is a delicate layer of nerve tissue that lines the back of the eye, converting light into signals that the brain interprets as vision. It’s held in place by the vitreous, which is a clear, gel-like substance that fills the eye. As we age, the vitreous can shrink and pull away from the retina. In some cases, this traction causes a small tear or hole in the retina. If fluid seeps through the tear, it can lift the retina off the back of the eye, leading to a detachment.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing retinal tears or detachment, including:
- Aging and natural vitreous changes (posterior vitreous detachment)
- Severe nearsightedness (myopia)
- Eye trauma or previous eye surgery
- A history of retinal tears or detachment in the other eye
- Family history of retinal conditions
- Diabetic retinopathy or other retinal diseases
When to Seek Treatment for Retinal Detachment & Retinal Tears?
If you notice sudden flashes of light, new floaters, or a dark curtain in your vision, seek immediate medical attention. These symptoms may indicate a retinal tear or detachment, both of which can lead to permanent vision loss if untreated. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment by a retina specialist, such as Dr. Johnson at New York Retina Center, offers the best chance to preserve your eyesight.
How Are Retinal Detachment & Retinal Tears Treated?
Treatment for retinal detachment or tears depends on the extent and severity of the damage. Small retinal tears can often be repaired in-office using laser photocoagulation or cryotherapy (freezing treatment) to seal the tear and prevent fluid from leaking underneath the retina. These procedures are quick, effective, and help prevent progression to detachment.
For retinal detachment, surgical repair is usually required. Dr. Johnson performs advanced procedures such as vitrectomy (pars plana vitrectomy) or scleral buckle surgery to reattach the retina and restore its function. With prompt intervention and expert eye care, most patients can achieve significant recovery and preserve long-term vision.
Schedule Your Consultation
New York Retina Center is a leading destination for expert care in retinal conditions. Led by Dr. Brandon Johnson, our board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained retina surgeon, our team provides compassionate treatment tailored to your needs. With over 15 years of experience and training from top institutions like Wills Eye Institute and Emory University, Dr. Johnson delivers the highest level of surgical precision. If you suspect signs or symptoms of retinal detachment and retinal tears, schedule your consultation without delay.
