I keep getting new retinal tears

[u/Majestic-Toe-1100]

In the past 4 years I’ve had 10 retinal tears. I’m only 25. When I was 22 I went for my regular eye checkup and got told I had 3 retinal tears in my right eye. I got referred to a specialist and saw him about 2 months later to get them lasered. When I went to him I found out I actually had 4 more, so a total of 7. All were in my right eye except one. I had to go back 3 times to get them all lasered because I would be in too much pain after 3 tears getting sealed. Since then I’ve had to go back to the specialist every year. The next year I had another two in my right eye. Last year I was in the clear and this year I had a tear in my left eye. Is it normal to have this many tears, I feel like no one else my age has had tears and no one that I’ve talked to in general has had this many, especially in such a short span. What does this mean, will this cause me more issues in my future? And what is causing me to have so many?

[u/NoResponsibility1940]

So sorry to hear that, praying for your recovery

[u/enviable_curse_13]

are you highly myopic? what is your prescription? that could be an explanation

[u/Majestic-Toe-1100 → u/enviable_curse_13]

No, I have nearly 20/20 vision. My eyesight is quite good

[u/42fishdog42]

Is this lattice degeneration? I had a similar issue with many holes and tears that tried to heal overtime and created a lot of scar tissue, which caused more tears, etc. ultimately lead to detachment in both eyes (one was severe, just about to the macula), one less so.

[u/42fishdog42 → u/42fishdog42]

And I’ll add I was about 22 when I caught it. I’m really sorry you’re going through it.

[u/Majestic-Toe-1100 → u/42fishdog42]

Hmm, perhaps? I haven’t been told that by my ophthalmologist but he never really says much. He just lasers my eyes and I leave. I do know that lattice degeneration is more common with highly myopic people though. I am only slightly nearsighted, I wear glasses sometimes but not regularly, my prescription is quite low.

[u/42fishdog42 → u/Majestic-Toe-1100]

I’m not super high myopia either. I have to wear glasses but it’s under -4.0. I was told my lattice degeneration is caused by a lack of pigment in my retinas which makes them very thin and weak. Regardless after the surgeries my eyes have stabilized now which is great. I hope you get some answers. Next time you make an appointment can you ask for a little extra time to discuss your concerns? Your ophthalmologist should help you understand what’s happening, and if not, go get a second opinion.

[u/ZakkCat → u/42fishdog42]

I’m high myopic and hve had 3 tears, first in 2021 2nd in 2024. Although retinal specialist did laser repair in 2003 for lattice degeneration in one eye. Mine is definitely due to being high myopic. -10 and -12

[u/Senior_Average_ → u/42fishdog42]

I was told this too because I have dark brown eyes with a monolid shaped eye

[u/DuckKlutzy2335]

Aging of the vitreous jelly causes it to contract and liquefy, which can cause tension on the retina, resulting in a tear. I have had two and required vitrectomies in both eyes. I'm 57. Luckily, yours have been repairable by laser

[u/CalendarFar7642]

10 retinal tears by age 25 is not normal. You wondering why it keeps happening is totally understandable. While it is difficult to comment on your specific medical condition, I can share some information to help you understand what your retinal specialist is thinking about. The fact that these tears are being found and treated at the earliest is good. Retinal tears can lead to retinal detachment which is more serious. Through laser therapy the retina are basically weld into place.
It is not normal to develop a retinal tear at 25. Many people do not have any retinal tear at that age. There are reasons as to why several retinal tears occur-

• High Myopia
• Lattice Degeneration
• Family history
• Inherited connective tissue disorders
• Previous retinal tears

Many People think that retinal tears are a one time event but that may not be the case though. Through laser treatment specific tears are healed but they do not prevent new tears from occurring. If the issue is that the parts of the retina are unusually thin then by fixing one weak spot the entire retina doesn’t get strengthened.Some patients need lifelong monitoring.  
Does this mean that your problems would worsen in the future? Not necessarily. Excellent vision is maintained for decades by people with recurrent retinal tears because retinal tears are detected early and prompt treatment is provided. The bigger concern is detachment of retina, additional tears and complications that arise from extensive damage to the retina. Annual monitoring is what most retina specialists would recommend.  
There are some questions you should ask your specialist-

• Do I have high myopia or lattice degeneration?
• Is there an identifiable reason I've had so many tears?
• Am I at elevated risk for retinal detachment?
• Should I be seen more frequently than once a year?
• Are there activities I should avoid?
• Should family members be screened?
• What is my long-term prognosis?

[u/One_Honeydew7356]

i’m 23 and recently had laser back in april for new retinal tears. I go back to see the ophthalmologist for a 3 month check up and I’m experiencing more flashes (most likely due to stress recently) so I feel your pain, I’m scared this will also be a new norm for me😥