
This is usually an urgent condition requiring treatment as soon as possible. As fluid from the vitreous collects under the retina the light sensitive cells (photoreceptors) cease to function properly, causing a loss of vision wherever the retina is detached.

Retinal DetachmentĪ retinal detachment (RD) is a serious eye condition in which the retina has separated from the underlying layers of the eye. Risks and complications associated with these procedures are rare but include ineffective treatment, inflammation, bleeding, pain and cataract formation. These procedures can treat retinal holes and tears by creating adhesions which attach the retina to the underlying layers, thus preventing a retinal detachment. Peripheral retinal holes and tears are typically treated with office-based procedures such as laser therapy or a procedure using a frozen probe (cryoretinopexy). However, if left untreated, peripheral retinal holes and tears may lead to a retinal detachment by allowing fluid from the vitreous cavity to collect underneath the retina. Though common symptoms include a sudden onset of flashes and floaters, peripheral retinal holes and tears may present with no visual symptoms at all.

Peripheral retinal holes and tears are defects in the retina which may be caused by a number of conditions including PVD, retinal traction, ocular trauma and high myopia (nearsightedness). Though posterior vitreous detachments rarely require treatment, a dilated eye exam is required as soon as possible to rule out the possibility the retina has developed a peripheral retinal hole or tear during the PVD process, as the symptoms may be the same. These symptoms of “flashes” and “floaters” may temporarily obscure vision and become quite bothersome but usually subside over time. Additionally, if the vitreous is adherent to the retinal surface as it begins to condense, any tugging or pulling on the retinal surface may cause bright flashes of light or sparks to appear in the vision. As the vitreous becomes more liquid, pigment cells, blood cells, or other vitreous debris may become more mobile, causing floating spots, shadows or cobwebs to appear in the vision. This fairly common condition is called a posterior vitreous detachment or PVD. Changes to the retina and vitreous humor due to eye disease, ocular trauma or even the normal aging process can lead to posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), peripheral retinal holes or tears, or more seriously, retinal detachment (RD).ĭue to the normal aging process or other factors, the vitreous humor may condense or shrink over time causing a separation of the vitreous from the surface of the retina. The central cavity of the eye is filled with a clear, gel-like fluid called vitreous humor which is adherent to the retina, blood vessels and optic nerve. The center of the retina, or macula, allows for fine, detailed, central vision while the area of retina surrounding the macula is referred to as the peripheral retina and is responsible for side, or peripheral vision. Different parts of the retina contribute to different parts of vision. When an image is focused onto the surface of the retina, a signal is sent to the visual cortex of the brain via the optic nerve and vision is produced. The retina is composed of several thin layers of light-sensitive nerve cells that line the back of the eye. PVD, Retinal Holes, Tears or DetachmentsĪustin Retina puts patients first, with same-day appointments and 24/7 patient supportĪbout PVD, Retinal Holes, Tears or Detachments.Depending on the severity of a retinal hole and other factors such as your medical history, your doctor may recommend a procedure like a vitrectomy, or perhaps no treatment at all if they believe the hole may heal on its own. Every treatment plan is customized to your unique condition. This is when they will be able to evaluate retinal health and diagnose any retinal issues.Īn eye doctor can diagnose, monitor, and treat retinal problems. During a comprehensive exam, your doctor will dilate your pupil to get a good view of your retina.

Some common symptoms of retinal holes are:īecause retinal holes may not always cause symptoms, it is important to follow your eye doctor’s recommendations for regular comprehensive eye exams. Oftentimes there aren’t noticeable symptoms of a retinal hole in the early stages. As we age, the interior gel-like substance which helps shape our eyes (vitreous) can shrink or separate –pulling away from the retina and causing a hole. The hole can pass fluid through, potentially causing retinal detachment which can lead to blindness.Ī common cause of retinal hole development is aging. Retinal holes should not be left undiagnosed or untreated. A retinal hole occurs when there is a hole or gap in the tissue at the back of the eye (the retina).
