How long can I wait to have a tear in my retina repaired?
APR 20, 2016
Question:
How long can I wait to have a tear in my retina repaired? Will the tear become bigger if I wait a few weeks to a month before I have the surgery done?
Answer:
The timing of surgery for a retinal tear depends on a number of factors, including whether it is symptomatic or not (picked up on a routine exam or because the patient noticed floaters or flashing lights), its location, its size, and its character. Our concern is more about whether the tear will lead to a retinal detachment (when the light-sensitive tissue peels off the back of the eye), rather than whether the tear will enlarge. In general, if your ophthalmologist is recommending surgery for a retinal tear, it is better to have the treatment promptly, rather than waiting several weeks to a month.