What is Horseshoe or Flap Retinal Tear?

Small tears in the retina are quite a common occurrence. In the majority of cases, you’ll only become aware when your eye doctor spots it during a routine eye examination. For most people, these tiny breaks in the integrity of the retinal tissue heal without intervention. 

However, they can be an indication of a higher risk of retinal detachment. The most common shape of a tear looks a little like a horseshoe—hence the name, “horseshoe tear”. You might also hear it referred to as a flap retinal tear.

Horseshoe Retinal Tear FAQs

• The 5 most asked questions about horseshoe retinal tears/flap retinal tears
• How are horseshoe retinal tears treated?
• Signs and symptoms of a retinal emergency

The 5 most asked questions about horseshoe retinal tears/flap retinal tears

1. What is a horseshoe retinal tear? The retina is a layer of nerve tissue at the back of the eye. A horseshoe retinal tear occurs when the jelly-like fluid within the eye (vitreous) tugs away a tiny flap—this typically happens near the edge of the retina where the force of the vitreous is stronger.
2. What are the symptoms of a retinal tear? There may be no symptoms. However, seeing flashes of light and/or the appearance of new floaters can occur.
3. Why do retinal tears happen? The most common reasons are advancing age (the retinal thins as we get older), trauma, being nearsighted, or a family history of retinal tears/detachment.
4. Do all retinal tears need treatment? No, not all. If there were no associated symptoms (flashes of light, new floaters), then they’ll be likely to heal themselves. Your ophthalmologist will monitor them and intervene only if necessary.
5. Does having a retina tear mean another is more likely? Yes, having had one will increase the risk of more in the future. Again, your eye doctor will monitor.

How are horseshoe retinal tears treated?

A simple horseshoe or flap retinal tear—in other words, one that hasn’t progressed to a retinal detachment—is easily treated. This is done either by cryotherapy or laser—both of which are performed under local anesthetic in the doctor’s office.

The aim is to “stick” the retinal tissue back in place. This is called a retinopexy. Whichever way it’s carried out, the procedure purposely creates minute scars around the flap. This additional tissue adheres to the wall of the eye, preventing any leaking of the vitreous behind the retina.

Signs and symptoms of a retinal emergency

Retinal tears or retinal detachment are usually pain-free. However, the following symptoms warrant attention.

• Seeing flashes of light: This is caused by the tugging of the vitreous fluid at the retinal tissue. It doesn’t necessarily mean that a tear has occurred—but if it does, a second symptom might:
• The appearance of new floaters: If a blood vessel is damaged by the appearance of a retinal tear, leaking blood can appear in the vision in the form of floaters.

One or both of these symptoms mean you need to contact your eye doctor as treatment will be needed. However, the appearance of a veil or curtain from the top or outer corner of your vision—either in conjunction with the other symptoms or in isolation—is a medical emergency. It’s a symptom of retinal detachment and requires assessment and treatment straight away. 

Worried About Horseshoe Retinal Tears? Get the Best Treatment and Advice at the WBEC

Diagnosing, monitoring, and the treatment of retinal tears is a specialty at the West Boca Eye Center. The team of highly skilled advanced ophthalmologists provides some of (if not the) best eye-related care in the country). Whether you’re worried about retinal tears or simply want the world’s best eye doctors to look after your visual health, there’s no better place to go.

Visit https://www.westbocaeyecenter.com/ for more information and call today to book an appointment.

Small tears in the retina are quite a common occurrence. In the majority of cases, you’ll only become aware when your eye doctor spots it during a routine eye examination.

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