What is a retinal tear? Blindness warning signs
The health of Gordon Brown's right eye has preoccupied the media recently. But what is a retinal tear? And can it really lead to blindness?
What is a retinal tear?
The retina is the thin layer of light sensitive tissue which lines the back of the eye. Light which enters the eye is controlled by the cornea, lens, and pupil and then passes through a jelly-like substance called the vitreous before reaching the retina.
The cells of the retina transmit messages to the eye's optic nerve', creating the picture which we see.
A tear in the retina is a serious condition because it can allow the fluid from the eye to seep underneath the retinal tissue and cause it to peel away from the inner wall of the eye, known as retinal detachment. This can lead to a partial loss of sight or even blindness in the affected eye.
Most at risk
People in the over 40 age group. As you age the jelly like substance - vitreous - shrinks. Sometimes this can pull at the retina, causing a tear
People who are very short sighted generally have thinner retinas which can tear more easily
Someone who has had previous eye surgery
Certain eye infections which may lead to inflammation such as toxoplasmosis
Eye injuries can cause a tear or retinal detachment
Warning signs
Unless you are recovering from an eye injury, the only indication that you may have a retinal tear are changes to your vision. As retinal tears are painless, you may feel inclined to ignore the symptoms or deal with them at a later date.
However, symptoms of a retinal tear should be checked out immediately by your doctor or an ophthalmologist to prevent irreversible damage to your eye. The most common symptoms are:
Obscured vision, often described as having a veil or curtain pulled across an eye
Flashes of light
Showers of floaters resembling strands, spots or spider webs
If caught in time, a retinal detachment can be prevented. Retinal tears can be treated using cryotherapy or laser treatment.
This article was published on Tue 13 October 2009
The health of Gordon Brown's right eye has preoccupied the media recently. But what is a retinal tear? And can it really lead to blindness?
What is a retinal tear?
The retina is the thin layer of light sensitive tissue which lines the back of the eye. Light which enters the eye is controlled by the cornea, lens, and pupil and then passes through a jelly-like substance called the vitreous before reaching the retina.
The cells of the retina transmit messages to the eye's optic nerve', creating the picture which we see.
A tear in the retina is a serious condition because it can allow the fluid from the eye to seep underneath the retinal tissue and cause it to peel away from the inner wall of the eye, known as retinal detachment. This can lead to a partial loss of sight or even blindness in the affected eye.
Most at risk
People in the over 40 age group. As you age the jelly like substance - vitreous - shrinks. Sometimes this can pull at the retina, causing a tear
People who are very short sighted generally have thinner retinas which can tear more easily
Someone who has had previous eye surgery
Certain eye infections which may lead to inflammation such as toxoplasmosis
Eye injuries can cause a tear or retinal detachment
Warning signs
Unless you are recovering from an eye injury, the only indication that you may have a retinal tear are changes to your vision. As retinal tears are painless, you may feel inclined to ignore the symptoms or deal with them at a later date.
However, symptoms of a retinal tear should be checked out immediately by your doctor or an ophthalmologist to prevent irreversible damage to your eye. The most common symptoms are:
Obscured vision, often described as having a veil or curtain pulled across an eye
Flashes of light
Showers of floaters resembling strands, spots or spider webs
If caught in time, a retinal detachment can be prevented. Retinal tears can be treated using cryotherapy or laser treatment.
This article was published on Tue 13 October 2009
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