What Are The Common Retinal Diseases?

Retinal Tear

A retinal tear is best described as a separation of retinal tissues from each other. A rip or tear in the retina can be caused by an abnormally sticky vitreous pulling on the retinal tissue. These tears can also be the result of general eye trauma. Individuals who have myopia, prior cataract surgery, history of a retinal tear, thinning of the retina, history of eye trauma, and family members with a history of a retinal tear are at an increased risk of experiencing a retinal tear. The main concern with a retinal tear is the leakage of fluid into the area below the retina.

Immediate treatment is vital to prevent a retinal detachment and permanent vision loss. A retinal tear is treated by using a method to create scar tissue that closes up the tear. This scarring stops the leakage of fluid that results in retinal detachment. The creation of scar tissue can be accomplished with the use of a laser to inflict small burns that heal as scar tissue over the retinal tear. In cases where using a laser is too difficult, cryopexy is performed. This method uses a cryoprobe pressed over the area of the tear. The cryoprobe freezes the area once it is activated. The scar tissue forms during the healing process of the freeze-burn, and it effectively seals off the retinal tear.