Retinal Breaks

A retinal break happens when there is a tear, hole, or detachment in the retina.

A retinal tear occurs when the gel-like vitreous in your eye pulls on the retina and causes it to split. If not treated, a retinal tear can lead to a retinal detachment. Any injury that damages your retina can threaten your eyesight and should be treated as a medical emergency.

A hole in your retina can develop as the retina becomes thinner, often with age. The vitreous may start to pull away, and if it sticks to the retina, the macula can split and form a hole. A quick and painless test called optical coherence tomography (OCT) helps doctors see your retina and macula in detail to diagnose a hole. To learn more about the diagnostic tests we offer at Southwest Retina Specialists, click here.

A retinal detachment occurs when the retina pulls away from the tissues that support it. This can affect your vision and may lead to blindness. Your retina senses light and sends signals to your brain, allowing you to see. If the retina pulls away from its supporting tissues, it loses its blood supply. Do not wait for pain—seek help right away if you suddenly notice any of these symptoms:

• More eye floaters than usual

• Flashes of light

• A shadow in your vision