A branch retinal tear is a localised break in the peripheral retina involving only a small segment of its circumference. It usually arises from focal traction during posterior vitreous detachment.
Causes and Risk Factors
Short-sighted eyes, lattice degeneration, and ocular trauma increase the likelihood of retinal tears. During vitreous separation, traction at weak points can create a flap or horseshoe-shaped tear.
- Symptoms may include flashes and localized floaters
- Some tears are found incidentally
- Untreated tears can lead to retinal detachment
Treatment
Most branch tears are treated with barrier laser or cryotherapy to seal the edges to the underlying tissue, reducing detachment risk. Urgent vitreoretinal assessment is advised when a tear is suspected.
Further Information
General information on retinal problems and surgery is available on the vitreoretinal surgery page, and the Blue Fin Vision® article what is vitrectomy surgery? explains a key treatment used when detachment occurs.
