Retinal Tear vs. Retinal Detachment: What’s the Difference?
Retinal tears and retinal detachments are both eye conditions that can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. However, there are some differences between the two that are important to keep in mind. Here’s what you need to know:
What Are Retinal Tears and Detachments?
A retinal tear occurs when a break develops in the retina, the light-detecting layer of cells in the back of the eye. A detachment occurs when the retina pulls away from the back of the eye. Both conditions are serious, but a retinal detachment is more severe than a retinal tear.
A retinal tear can lead to a retinal detachment, but some tears never progress. Once the retina is detached, however, permanent blindness can onset within hours to days. Therefore, if you experience any changes in your vision, no matter how small or insignificant they seem, you should see a retinal specialist as soon as possible.
Retinal Tear vs. Detachment Symptoms
Retinal tear and retinal detachment symptoms overlap. Early signs and symptoms of a retinal tear include:
- An increase in flashes and floaters appearing in your field of vision
- Shadows in your peripheral vision
- A gray curtain over part of your visual field
A retinal tear can lead to a retinal detachment. A retinal detachment can also cause you to see shadows in your peripheral vision and a gray curtain over part of your visual field. Right before a retinal detachment occurs, it’s common to experience a sudden proliferation of flashes and floaters.
Treating Retinal Tears vs Detachments
Retinal tears are typically treated with cryotherapy, a procedure where the retina is frozen to induce scar tissue around the tear. In some lower-risk cases with no symptoms, a retinal tear may not require treatment. Treatment for a retinal detachment varies based on underlying cause and severity. Treatment options include:
- Laser surgery
- Cryotherapy
- Other surgeries, such as vitrectomy, pneumatic retinopexy, and scleral buckling
Schedule an Appointment with a Retina Specialist Today
Retinal tears and retinal detachments are two different conditions that can cause similar symptoms. A retinal detachment is considered a medical emergency, and swift treatment is necessary to prevent permanent vision loss.
The retina specialists at the Retina Group of Florida can effectively diagnose and treat retinal conditions like tears and detachments. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment at one of our Florida retina centers. We proudly serve patients in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Clearwater, Port St. Lucie, Sarasota, Naples, and beyond.
