6 Causes of Retinal Tears: What Patients Should Know

The retina is a very important tissue in our eyeball because it does not just help our eye in seeing; rather, it helps to focus pictures that our eyes collect through seeing. After seeing these pictures, the retina turns them into electric messages that are sent to the brain along the optic nerve. But sometimes, some major diseases occur in our retina, like retinal tears, and it properly disturb our vision. And that's why it is important to know what causes retinal tears and how it is affecting a person's life.

Understanding Of Retinal Tears

A retinal tear or break occurs when the gel-like substance called vitreous in your eye tugs on your retina and creates a split. Your retina is a thin, light-sensitive layer located at the back of your eye. This tear can impact your vision and may need attention from a healthcare professional.

Causes Of Retinal Tears

Here are some major causes of retinal tears which may help you to recognize the retinal tears, which includes:

• Age-Related Changes
• High Myopia (Nearsightedness)
• Trauma or Injury
• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Cataract Surgery
• Genetic Predisposition

1. Age-Related Changes

The clear gel-like fluid that fills the eye, called vitreous humor, can change as we get older. The vitreous humor may then form clumps or chains because of age issues. It is possible for the retina to tear when these clumps or strands pull on it. Regular eye exams can help identify risk factors and potential causes of retinal tears before they become problematic. If you are experiencing retinal issues, consider consulting a specialist for Retina Eye Surgery in Mauritius to address these concerns effectively. Your eye health is our priority.

2. High Myopia (Nearsightedness)

Myopia increases the risk of retinal tears. An enlarged eyeball can produce myopia, which blurs distant objects. Long eyeballs can exert excessive force on the retina, making it more prone to tears.

Myopia, especially high myopia, requires close eye care. Visiting an eye doctor often can help detect retinal abnormalities and avoid retinal tears.

3. Trauma or Injury

Trauma and injury are one of the common causes of retinal tears. Retinal tears can result from eye trauma, vehicle accidents, or high-impact sports. Like paper, the retina can rip when the eye is damaged or bent.

When doing tasks that could cause eye damage, wear protective eyewear. Even if you don't detect anything, seek medical assistance for an eye injury. Some retinal tears may not cause symptoms but can worsen if addressed.

4. Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy causes ocular blood vessels to leak or obstruct. That’s why the retina may lack blood, which causes retinal tears and other eye problems. Controlling diabetes reduces the risk of diabetic retinopathy. Early detection of this condition may help a person to resist many eye-related issues.

5. Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is a potential cause of retinal tears. While it's a common and safe procedure, complications can lead to retinal issues. Discuss potential risks with your eye surgeon before undergoing the surgery.

6. Genetic Predisposition

The genes you have can greatly affect your chances of getting retinal tears. If your family has a history of this issue, your risk might be greater due to inherited traits.

While you can't change your genes, that’s why you should know about your family history. It helps you and your eye specialist keep an eye on your eye health and take steps to prevent or treat retinal tears when needed.

Retinal Tear Symptoms

After understanding the causes of retinal tears, these symptoms will clarify all your queries in your mind and help you prevent retinal tears. These retinal tear symptoms are:

• Sudden onset of floaters in your field of vision.
• Flashes of light or sparks.
• Gradual or sudden blurring of vision.
• A shadow or curtain-like effect obscures your vision.
• Distorted or wavy vision in one eye.
• Severe eye pain.
• Decreased night vision.

Conclusion

Understanding the causes of retinal tears is essential for safeguarding our precious sense of sight. These tears, though they can disrupt our vision, can often be prevented or treated when caught early. By being aware of the risk factors and promptly seeking professional help if we experience any symptoms,including visiting a Retina Specialist in Mauritius, we can ensure our eyes continue to serve us well. Regular eye check-ups, protective measures, and managing underlying health conditions such as diabetes are all important steps in maintaining our eye health and preserving the beauty of the world we see. So, let's prioritize our eye health and cherish the gift of sight.