What is a retinal tear?
A retinal tear is a break in the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. It can develop when the vitreous gel inside the eye pulls on the retina, most commonly during a posterior vitreous detachment.
A retinal tear is clinically significant because fluid can pass through the break and collect underneath the retina. This can lead to the retina lifting away from the back of the eye, resulting in a retinal detachment.
Not every floater or flash is caused by a retinal tear. However, sudden or changing symptoms must be assessed promptly because a tear can only be confirmed or excluded through a specialist retinal examination.
What symptoms can a retinal tear cause?
Symptoms may include:
- Sudden new floaters
- Flashes of light
- A shower of small dots or specks
- Blurred or changing vision
- A shadow or curtain moving across the vision if retinal detachment develops
Some retinal tears cause only subtle symptoms, and in some cases there may be no obvious symptoms at all. This is why a thorough examination of the peripheral retina is essential whenever new flashes or floaters occur.
A curtain-like shadow, sudden loss of vision or rapid deterioration in vision requires immediate assessment.
How is a retinal tear diagnosed?
A retinal tear is diagnosed through a dilated retinal examination. The specialist directly examines the far peripheral retina, where tears and holes most commonly occur.
At The Retina Clinic London, a detailed examination of the peripheral retina is performed using indirect ophthalmoscopy, and scleral indentation is used when necessary to fully assess the far retinal periphery. Ultra-widefield retinal imaging and optical coherence tomography (OCT) are also used to document findings and support diagnosis.
This comprehensive assessment allows clear identification of retinal tears, retinal holes, vitreous traction, bleeding and any early signs of retinal detachment. In most cases, a diagnosis can be made immediately during the same visit.
What is retinal laser treatment?
Retinal laser treatment for a tear is known as laser retinopexy.
The laser is applied in a precise pattern around the retinal tear. These controlled laser spots create a strong adhesion between the retina and the underlying tissue as they heal, forming a protective barrier around the tear.
This barrier reduces the risk of fluid passing through the tear and causing a retinal detachment.
While highly effective at stabilising a treated tear, laser treatment does not eliminate all risk. It cannot prevent new tears from developing elsewhere in the retina, which is why ongoing monitoring remains important.
What happens during retinal laser treatment?
Retinal laser treatment is performed on-site at The Retina Clinic London and, in most cases, can be carried out urgently on the same day as diagnosis when clinically indicated.
Anaesthetic drops are used to numb the surface of the eye. A specialist contact lens is then placed gently on the eye to allow precise focusing of the laser around the tear.
The procedure is carried out in the clinic setting and does not require a theatre environment. The duration depends on the size, number and location of the retinal tear(s) being treated.
Is retinal laser treatment painful?
Most patients tolerate retinal laser treatment well. The procedure involves bright flashes of light, and some patients may experience brief discomfort, pressure or a mild stinging sensation.
Anaesthetic drops are used to numb the surface of the eye. For patients who are anxious or would prefer additional support, conscious sedation may be available at The Retina Clinic London following appropriate assessment. This is delivered and monitored by our anaesthetic team.
The procedure and all comfort options are explained in detail beforehand, and the clinical team provides continuous support throughout treatment.
What happens after treatment?
Vision may be temporarily blurred following treatment due to pupil dilation and the laser itself. Mild light sensitivity or awareness of the treated eye can also occur.
As the laser spots heal, they form a strengthening adhesion that stabilises the retina around the tear. Patients are advised to follow the post-treatment guidance provided by their specialist.
Follow-up is arranged to confirm stability of the treated area and to ensure no additional retinal changes are present.
Patients should seek urgent review if they notice:
- New or increasing flashes
- A sudden increase in floaters
- A curtain, shadow or loss in part of the vision
- Sudden blurring or reduction in vision
Our approach
Retinal tears require immediate, accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment.
The Retina Clinic London provides rapid access to specialist retinal assessment, supported by detailed examination of the peripheral retina and advanced imaging techniques. This allows retinal tears to be identified quickly and, when required, treated without delay using on-site laser retinopexy. In most cases, treatment can be delivered urgently on the same day as diagnosis.
Our approach is focused on clarity, speed and precision, ensuring that retinal symptoms are assessed and managed without delay.
The next step
If you have sudden new floaters, flashes of light or have been told you may have a retinal tear, you should arrange urgent specialist assessment.
If you are experiencing a curtain-like shadow, sudden loss of vision or rapidly worsening symptoms, seek immediate ophthalmic assessment without delay.
To book your consultation, please call us on +44 (0)20 4548 5310 or visit https://www.theretinacliniclondon.com/book-a-consultation/
We’re here to help.