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Horseshoe Tear (HST) everything You Need to Know

Learn the fundamentals in 20 minutes or less

The 5 steps

Step 1 – Learn how the eye works

Step 2 – Learn the symptoms of an HST

Step 3- Learn how a HST is treated

Step 4 – Learn about the signs and symptoms of a new tear or retinal detachment

Step 5 – Decrease your risk of developing new tears

How the Eye Works - The Basics

The eye can be thought of as similar to a camera, with two main parts, a lens and a film. The film layer is called the retina and lines the back wall of the eye. There is a gel called the vitreous that is located in front of the retina and is very firmly adherent to it. As we start to get older, the vitreous slowly separates from the back wall of the eye and moves towards the front of the eye. This process is called a vitreous detachment. A horse shoe tear occurs when the gel pulls very firmly on the retina and creates a full-thickness tear in the retina, while still remaining attached to one edge (see photo).

Learn More About Posterior Vitreous Detachment

Step 2 - Learn the symptoms of a Horseshoe Tear

Flashing lights

These lights are white arc shaped lights which are in the corner of the visual field. They are most prominent in the dark and are so fast patients wonder if they were even there. Flashing lights associated with HST tend to be persistent, unless those associated with a posterior vitreous detachment, which tend to decrease in frequency over several days.

Floaters

Many patients will begin to notice small black spots that move when their eye moves. This typically improves gradually over weeks to months

Veil

Patients complain of an area of their peripheral vision that is dark or black, similar to a curtain coming down at a play. This is a sign of a retinal detachment.

Step 3 - Learn How a Horseshoe Tear is Treated

The treatment of choice depends on whether or not there is a retinal detachment associated with the horseshoe tear. If no retinal detachment is present, the treatment of choice is an in-office procedure called laser retinopexy. If there is an associated retinal detachment, the treatment of choice is typically vitrectomy or pneumatic retinopexy.

Learn Everything You Need to Know About Laser Retinopexy

Step 4 - Learn the Signs and Symptoms of a new tear or detachment

Flashing Lights

Laser treatment does not treat or prevent the flashes seen by many patients. However, most patients will notice a decrease in the frequency of flashes within several days of the laser procedure. An increase in the frequency of flashes may suggest a new retinal tear.

Veil

Patients complain of an area of their peripheral vision that is dark or black, similar to a curtain coming down at a play. This is a sign of a retinal detachment and requires urgent evaluation (same day).

Floaters

The sudden onset of new floaters may also suggest a new tear.

Decrease your risk of developing new tears

Relax. Avoid high impact or strenuous activities.

it is recommended to avoid high impact activities such as running or heavy lifting.

 

It is recommended to avoid fast eye or head movements, as this may precipitate a new retinal tear.

 

It is typically okay to return to normal activities approximately 4-6 weeks after the initiation of symptoms.                                    

Disclaimer

This information is being provided to you for educational purposes only. Accessing or using this information does not constitute the practice of medicine nor does it establish a physician-patient relationship. This information does not replace a consultation with your eye care specialist. This information should be used at your own risk. The authors and Eye Know More do not assume any responsibility for harm incurred by the viewers. All information on the website is copyrighted and is the property of Eye Know More. Unauthorized redistribution of Eye Know More’s proprietary information constitutes a copyright violation.

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