What to Know About Retinal Scarring: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
We've all experienced scars on our bodies, but many of us don't think about scarring in our eyes. The retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye, plays a crucial role in our vision and can indeed develop scars. This type of scarring often develops without noticeable symptoms, but it can lead to significant vision changes or even permanent vision loss if left untreated. By understanding how retinal scarring forms and knowing when to consult a retina specialist, you can take proactive steps to manage your eye health.
Common Causes of Retinal Scarring
Retinal scars can form due to various factors, including eye trauma, retinal disease, and aging. Some of the most common causes include:
- Diabetic retinopathy: Leaking blood vessels can damage the retina, leading to scar tissue formation.
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): Leaking blood vessels in AMD, particularly in the “wet” form, can lead to the formation of scar tissue in the macula, the central part of the retina.
- Retinal tears and detachments: When the vitreous gel shrinks, it can tear the retina; fluid seeping through the tear can cause detachment and lead to scars during the healing process.
- Macular pucker: In this condition, scar tissue forms on the macula, causing it to wrinkle and pucker.
- Eye trauma: Direct injury or complications from prior eye surgeries can trigger the formation of scar tissue.
- Inflammation: Conditions like uveitis (inflammation inside the eye) or infections can damage retinal tissue and lead to scarring.
- Eye infections: Ocular infections can lead to scarring.
- Aging: The vitreous gel naturally shrinks with age, increasing tear risk.
Retinal Scarring Symptoms and Risks
Many people are unaware of retinal scarring until it's detected during a retinal exam. However, there are specific signs to watch for, including:
- Blurry or distorted vision
- Flashes of light or floaters
- Partial loss of central or peripheral vision
- Difficulty seeing fine details
If left untreated, retinal scarring can result in vision distortion or even central vision loss if the macula is affected. Additionally, it can increase the risk of developing glaucoma or cataracts and make it difficult to read, drive, or perform other tasks that require sharp vision.
Treating Retinal Scars
Depending on the cause and severity of the scarring, as well as any additional complications, your retina specialist may recommend the following treatments:
- Regular check-ups to monitor the scarring
- Medication to reduce inflammation
- Laser therapy to seal any tears in the retina
- Retinal surgery to address scars and repair a detached retina, which may include procedures such as vitrectomy or scleral buckling
- Cryopexy (freezing) to treat tears and stabilize the retina
The Importance of Seeing a Retina Specialist
It's possible to have retinal scarring without realizing it, which makes regular visits to a retina specialist important, especially for older adults or those with underlying conditions like diabetes. A retina specialist can conduct a thorough examination of your retina, check for scarring and other retinal issues, and develop a personalized plan to meet your needs.
At California Retina Consultants, we can effectively diagnose and treat retinal scarring and associated conditions. The sooner these scars are addressed, the better your vision outcomes will be. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment. We proudly serve patients throughout Central California, including Bakersfield, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Valencia.