【Disease・Causes】

A retinal tear is a small hole or tear in the retina. The retina is a thin membrane that covers the inside of the eye and plays an important role in receiving visual information and sending it to the brain. When a retinal tear occurs, the retina can be damaged and affect vision. As it progresses to retinal detachment, it needs to be treated immediately.
The most common cause of retinal tear is age-related. Posterior vitreous detachment occurs in middle-aged and elderly people. It’s an age change, and it’s not a bad thing, but if there are places where the retina is originally degenerated and thinned, the vitreous gland tries to separate from the retina, the retina will rupture, holes will appear. Many people with moderate or higher myopia have retinal degeneration, retinal tear and retinal detachment occur more frequently than those with good eyesight. Other than that, there can be tears in the retina due to external shocks or injuries to the eye.

【Symptoms】

Since the membrane has no pain sensation, there is no pain if retinal tear occurs, and there is almost no subjective symptom if there are only holes on the retina. Therefore, many patients don’t notice it until it progresses to retinal detachment. Retinal tears are often asymptomatic, but you may be aware of floating mosquitoes and photophobia. As the retinal tear progresses and retinal detachment occurs, patients may lose part of the visual field.

【Treatment】

The main treatment for retinal tear is retinal laser photocoagulation to prevent progression to retinal detachment. A laser is irradiated around the tear to prevent it from spreading by lasering it.
After laser irradiation, it takes one week to 10 days for the coagulation to solidify, but during that time, if a force is applied to peel off or a new tear occurs, it will progress to retinal detachment. If a retinal tear progresses and retinal detachment occurs, vitreous surgery or retinal detachment restoration may be necessary.

【Summary】

Although there is no clear way to prevent retinal tears, early detection and treatment are important. Regular eye exams are recommended. If you notice any abnormalities in your eyes, it is important to see an ophthalmologist immediately.