• The goal for treating retinal tears is to form a seal surrounding the break, thereby reducing the chance of the break resulting in a retinal detachment.
• Laser treatment:
  • This is a minimally invasive procedure where laser scars are formed around the retinal break, effectively welding the retina to the underlying tissue. This reduces the chance of the break leading to a detachment and vision loss.
  • The laser is delivered through a special lens.
• Cryotherapy treatment:
  • Minimally invasive procedure that uses a freezing probe, placed on the eye surrounding the retinal tear.
  • The freeze triggers scar tissue formation surrounding the retinal tear.

What should I expect following treatment of a retinal tear?

• The treatment of a retinal tear is done in an outpatient setting.
• Your vision is typically blurry immediately following the laser or cryotherapy treatment but typically returns to baseline by the next day.
• You may experience some redness or pain but that usually subsides in a few days.

Key Takeaways

• Early detection and treatment of a retinal tear can prevent a detachment and safeguard your vision.
• Laser therapy and cryotherapy are minimally invasive treatments that are performed in an outpatient setting to treat a retinal tear.