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Insight Horizon Media

How long does retinal tear take to heal?

Author

Christopher Anderson

Published Mar 11, 2026

How long does retinal tear take to heal?

It generally takes about two weeks to heal after retinal tear surgery, but you can usually resume normal activities within a few days. Heavy lifting and other more strenuous activities should be avoided while your eye heals.

Can a tear in the retina heal itself?

Not all retinal tears require treatment. Sometimes, when low-risk tears are identified in patients who have no symptoms, these tears may not require treatment. Some tears heal themselves by developing adhesion around the tear without treatment.

How long does it take to regain vision after retinal surgery?

During the first day or two, the surgeon may suggest wearing an eye patch or shield to prevent accidental injury to the eye. The patient will need to maintain the same head position for most of the day to keep the bubble in place.

How do you fix a tear in your retina?

Pneumatic retinopexy. After sealing a retinal tear with cryopexy, a gas bubble is injected into the vitreous. The bubble applies gentle pressure, helping a detached section of the retina to reattach to the eyeball. If your retina has detached, you’ll need surgery to repair it, preferably within days of a diagnosis.

How serious is a torn retina?

The retina is very thin, and a tear in it is a very serious and potentially blinding problem. If you develop a retinal tear, it can allow for fluid to enter beneath the retina and cause a retinal detachment. Common symptoms of a retinal tear include the sensation of flashes of light in the eye and floaters.

How serious is a retinal tear?

Retinal tears deprive your retina of oxygen, which can lead to permanent damage and vision loss. However, the small tear can also allow liquid to seep under the retina, which causes detachment.

What are the signs of a retinal tear?

A sudden appearance of light flashes, which could be the first stage of a retinal tear or detachment. Having a shadow appear in your peripheral (side) field of vision. Seeing a gray curtain slowly moving across your field of vision. Experiencing a sudden decrease in vision, including focusing trouble and blurred vision.

How do you fix a tear in the retina?

One method of retinal detachment repair is pneumatic retinopexy. In this procedure, a gas bubble is injected into the eye. The bubble presses against the detached retina and pushes it back into place. A laser or cryotherapy is then used to reattach the retina firmly into place.

How do they fix a tear in your retina?