




What Are The Warning Signs?
The sudden appearance of “floaters” – floating black dots-or brief flashes of light in your vision, may indicate the development of a retinal tear. Flashing lights are best seen in the dark, last a few seconds and usually occur in your peripheral (side) vision.An untreated retinal tear can progress to a detachment. As this occurs, vision is lost in the detached portion of the retina. Some individuals experience the sensation of a veil or curtain coming across their peripheral vision. If it progresses, central vision may be lost and the entire retina may become detached. If left untreated the result may be a total loss of vision in the affected eye. Patients who have floaters, flashes or poor vision should consult with a Retina Health Center physician immediately.
Awareness of the symptoms of retinal tears plays a critical part in reducing the potential permanent damage to vision. While the risk tends to increase for retinal tears as people age, people who have undergone cataract surgery, suffered a major blow to the head or injury to the eye are also at risk.
Retinal tears are generally treated in our offices, at either the Fort Myers or Naples location, using minimally invasive surgical procedures that require no incisions.
Laser Photocoagulation: An ophthalmic laser is used to place spots around the edge of the tear producing scars that seal the edges and in most instances prevent the development of a retinal detachment
Cryopexy (freezing): Like laser treatment, cryopexy stimulates scar formation to seal the edges of a retinal tear. Vision is not usually affected by the retinal tear and new floaters may be seen after treatment. Usually, they will become less noticeable after a few months.
Retinal detachment must be repaired surgically. Your Retina Health Center physician will determine which of the three commonly used methods of repair is best for you based on the length of time that the retina has been detached, the severity of the detachment and the location of the tear that caused the detachment. In some instances, a combination of procedures is used.
Following this procedure vision usually begins to improve within a few weeks; it may take up to six months or more for a full recovery. Glasses may be needed following the surgery as the operation frequently causes nearsightedness.
Vitrectomy for Retinal Detachment
This procedure is generally performed in a hospital, under local anesthesia. During this operation the gel-like material in the middle of the eye (the vitreous) is removed. Accumulated scar tissue, when present, is removed. The vitreous cavity is re-filled with a clear liquid, gas bubble, or other vitreous substitutes. Visual recovery is gradual and is dependent on the gas used and the extent of the procedure performed. In some patients, recovery can begin as soon as a week but may take up as six months or more in other patients.
In most cases, retinal detachment can be corrected, but sometimes more than one operation is needed. The length of recovery depends on many factors, including the length of time since the detachment, and can take six months or longer.
Successful reattachment is not possible in every case. Factors such as the patient’s age, general health and duration of the problem must be taken into account. Regardless of the ultimate outcome, it is vital to remember that retinal detachments generally do not improve without medical help.