Retinal Round Hole
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
What is a retinal round hole?
A retinal round hole is a tear or break in your retina. The retina is the thin layer of tissue that lines the back of your eye. It captures light and sends messages to the brain. A healthy retina is needed to help you see clearly.
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What increases my risk for a retinal round hole?
- Age older than 60
- Trouble seeing far away (nearsightedness)
- Eye surgery, such as cataract removal
- An eye injury or infection
- A connective tissue disease such as Marfan syndrome
What are the symptoms of a retinal round hole?
You may not have symptoms of a retinal round hole or you may have the following:
- Seeing floaters, such as spots, cobwebs, strings, or specks
- Seeing flashes of light
- Blurry vision
- Trouble seeing colors, depth, or detail
How is a retinal round hole diagnosed and treated?
Your healthcare provider will examine your eye. The provider may test your vision by asking you to read letters off a chart. A retinal hole usually heals on its own without treatment. You may need surgery to repair the hole if it does not heal.
What can I do to protect my vision?
- Get an eye exam as often as directed. Eye exams are done to check for or monitor diabetic retinopathy or other problems. Early diagnosis and treatment of eye problems may prevent permanent vision damage.
- Manage health conditions that can cause vision problems. Common examples include diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Follow up with healthcare providers who manage these conditions.
- Wear sunglasses with ultraviolet (UV) light protection. UV light from the sun can damage your eyes. It can increase your risk for vision loss.
- Eat foods that contain eye-healthy nutrients. Healthy nutrients include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, and zeaxanthin. They can be found in foods such as spinach, peanuts, salmon, collard greens, avocados, squash, eggs, and blueberries. Ask your healthcare provider for a full list of foods that contain eye-healthy nutrients. You may also need to take a vitamin or supplement to help you get enough of these nutrients.
- Exercise as directed. Ask your healthcare provider about the best exercise plan for you.
- Do not smoke. Nicotine can damage blood vessels in your eyes. Do not use e-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco in place of cigarettes or to help you quit. They still contain nicotine. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
When should I call my doctor?
- You have a sudden change in your vision or loss of vision.
- You have eye pain.
- You see more floaters or flashes of light than usual.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Care Agreement
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
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