Same-Day Retinal Tear Diagnosis and Laser Repair

Retina Tear Treatment - London

Expert Retinal Care and Modern Imaging

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Trusted and highly recommended locally.

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The safest laser treatments available.

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Emergency Retina Tear Treatment

A retinal tear is an eye emergency that can quickly progress to retinal detachment if left untreated. If you notice sudden flashes, new floaters, or a shadow moving across your vision, contact an eye specialist immediately. At My-iClinic in North London, we provide same-day appointments and laser repair to seal the tear and protect your sight. Acting fast makes all the difference to your long-term vision.

Diagnosis, treatment & management

Diagnosing a retinal tear begins with a comprehensive dilated eye examination, often supported by high-definition retinal imaging and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). These advanced scans allow our specialists to locate the exact position and size of the tear, assess any fluid build-up, and rule out detachment.

Treatment is usually performed the same day using laser retinopexy, a precise, painless outpatient procedure that seals the edges of the tear and prevents further separation. In more complex or large tears, a cryo-retinopexy (freezing therapy) or vitrectomy may be recommended. After treatment, patients typically notice improvement in vision within days, and follow-up examinations ensures the retina remains securely attached.

Ongoing management includes regular OCT scans, protective lifestyle advice, and immediate review if any new flashes or floaters occur in the future.

Advanced Technology

Your trusted clinic for flashes and floaters treatment in North London.

Private Consultation!

A private consultation with our ophthalmologist is £300. This excludes any scans required.

This includes:

treatment

Retina Tear Recovery

Most patients recover quickly after retinal tear repair, with vision stabilising as the retina heals. While every case is unique, outcomes are generally excellent when treated early, and normal activities can resume soon after your follow-up review.

Advanced Diagnostics At My-iClinic

New onset of flashing lights, sudden appearance of new multiple floaters, moving across your line of vision can be early warning signs of a retinal tear. Left untreated, these small breaks can progress to retinal detachment; a sight-threatening condition. Retinal detachment is suspected if you have a dark shadow progressively blocking out your vision. The table below helps you identify symptom urgency, understand what might be happening inside the eye, and know exactly when to seek same-day emergency care at a retinal specialist clinic in London.

 

Retinal Tear Symptoms, Urgency & Treatment at a Glance

Recognise the early signs of a retinal tear, understand when symptoms become sight-threatening, and learn the next steps for fast, effective treatment in London.

Scenario Possible Cause Urgency Level What To Do Now Key Diagnostic Tests Typical Treatment / Outcome
Sudden new floaters with light flashes Retinal tear due to posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) Urgent (Same Day) Arrange immediate retinal assessment; avoid driving until reviewed Dilated retinal exam, OCT scan, fundus photography, or B-scan ultrasound Laser retinopexy performed in-clinic to seal tear and prevent detachment
“Shower” of floaters or moving shadow in vision Tear with minor bleeding or early detachment Emergency Attend same-day emergency clinic; head upright, minimise movement OCT scan, B-scan if hazy view, and retinal photography Laser retinopexy or vitrectomy if detachment is present
New floaters or flashes after cataract/YAG laser PVD or post-surgical retinal stress Urgent (Within 24 Hours) Book prompt same-day or next-day review at a specialist eye clinic Dilated fundus exam, OCT imaging, visual field test Laser retinopexy if tear found; observation if stable
Blunt eye or head injury followed by vision changes Traumatic retinal tear or small detachment Emergency Attend emergency eye hospital immediately Comprehensive eye exam, OCT, and ultrasound imaging Laser sealing or vitrectomy; protective guidance for healing
Occasional mild flashes, no vision change Posterior vitreous detachment (no tear) Usually Low Routine monitoring; seek urgent care if symptoms worsen Dilated exam and OCT to confirm retina integrity Observation; education on emergency warning signs
This guide is for information purposes only. If you experience new floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow in your vision, contact a retinal specialist immediately or visit an emergency eye hospital in London.
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Gabriel Boboaca
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I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Dr. Bolger for their exceptional care and dedication. Your support has made a meaningful difference, and I truly appreciate everything you’ve done. With All my Love Gabriel Boboaca
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Libby Potter
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Excellent clinic and great service. Recommend.
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Shivam Modessa
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I can’t thank My-iclinic enough, Bola Odufuwa-Bolger and the team she has around her have just been fantastic, I’m over the moon with how my surgery has gone. This has been in the making for the last 5 months so I’m glad we have been able to get the surgery done.
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Forensic Mental Health
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I have had several consultations and examinations at My I Clinic and have to say that every time, i have experienced excellent levels of care, advice and service. Staff are always really helpful and polite.
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Abigail Kandengwa
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Outstanding care from start to finish I am writing this review on behalf of Mr. Alan Nathan Gershon (Mr G), whom I care for. At 95 years old, he attended myiClinic London on 12 August 2026 for a YAG laser procedure, which was initially planned for his left eye only. From the moment we arrived, every member of staff was welcoming, kind, respectful, and professional. We were treated with genuine care and dignity throughout our visit. A special thank you goes to Ms. Bola Odufuwa-Bolger, the Clinic Director and Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon. Her patient-centred approach was exceptional. During the assessment, she carefully discovered that although Mr. G's left eye had the thicker after-cataract, his right eye was also affected. The procedure took much longer than expected, but she remained patient, meticulous, and determined to achieve the best possible outcome. After the procedure, she felt the left eye might need to be redone. However, by the very next day, Mr. G's eyesight had improved remarkably. He now enjoys a renewed lease of vision—he can even read without his prescription glasses, something that has made an enormous difference to his quality of life. We are also incredibly grateful to Catalina Tomulescu, the Ophthalmic Technician, whose kindness and support were wonderful, as well as every member of the team who cared for Mr. G. As his carer, I left feeling humbled by the compassion, respect, and professionalism shown to us. Mr. G is deeply thankful for everything the myiClinic team has done. Thank you all for your outstanding work—please keep doing what you're doing. You have given a 95-year-old gentleman the priceless gift of seeing the world more clearly again.
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John Humphreys
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I was very impressed by the efficiency, professionalism, and thoroughness of My-iClinic. The staff went out of their way to make me feel comfortable, and to explain each step of the procedure
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Melanie Hewitt
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Friendly professional staff. Miss Bola Odufuwa explained the procedures to me and I am very happy with the result of my cataract surgery
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Tim Gillott
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My-iClinic in Whetstone, North London is, quite simply, the best. I went there for a bilateral cataract procedure, and the surgical team's depth of technical expertise, professionalism, care and empathy are all beyond compare. The results speak for themselves, but I will also do so anyway: following the procedure, I now have vision better than at any point in my life to date, even with contacts. All my thanks go to Bola and her team. My advice: if you have vision issues, do not waste your time going anywhere else- go to My-iClinic and say I sent you!!
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Retina Tear FAQs

It’s normal to feel anxious when sudden flashes or floaters appear. At My-iClinic in London, our retinal specialists manage these cases every day, from rapid diagnosis to safe, effective laser treatment. Here are answers to some of the most common questions patients ask about retinal tears and their care.

A retinal tear is always considered urgent because it can quickly develop into a retinal detachment, which threatens permanent vision loss. Early laser treatment often prevents this from happening.

Tears usually occur when the vitreous gel inside the eye naturally shrinks with age and pulls on the retina. Other causes include eye trauma, previous cataract surgery, or severe short-sightedness.

Your ophthalmologist will perform a dilated eye exam and advanced imaging such as OCT or fundus photography. These tests reveal any tiny breaks in the retina and help guide immediate treatment.

Most retinal tears are sealed using a laser retinopexy procedure performed in-clinic. The laser creates a fine barrier of adhesion that prevents fluid from passing under the retina, stopping detachment.

If the tear is detected early, laser treatment is sufficient. However, if fluid has already lifted the retina, surgery such as vitrectomy or gas bubble repair may be required to restore normal vision.

After laser treatment, vision typically stabilises within a few days, though mild blurring or floaters can linger temporarily. Follow-up scans confirm that the retina has sealed properly and is healing well.

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Meera Radia

Consultant Ophthalmologist

SPECIALTIES

EDUCATION

  • FRCOphth – Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists
  • CertLRS – Certificate in Laser and Refractive Surgery, Royal College of Ophthalmologists
  • MBA – awarded a fully funded academic scholarship for postgraduate business studies
  • MBBS (Hons)
  • BSc (Hons)
  • Ophthalmology Specialist Training – North Thames Deanery
  • Advanced Fellowship Training in Medical Retina, Uveitis and Cataract Surgery – Moorfields Eye Hospital, London

RESEARCH

Meera has published and presented research across medical retina, artificial intelligence, ophthalmic imaging, cataract and digital eye care.
Her research has included work on deep-learning systems for the detection of retinopathy of prematurity, artificial-intelligence classification of retinal images, surgical outcomes in macular hole surgery, ophthalmic simulation and the availability of image datasets for anterior-segment artificial intelligence research.
Selected publications include work in the Journal of Cataract & Refractive SurgeryThe Lancet Digital HealthGraefe’s Archive for Clinical and Experimental OphthalmologyInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science and the British Journal of Hospital Medicine.
She was also part of a team awarded a £70,000 Bayer Ophthalmology Research Award for research into artificial intelligence in retinopathy of prematurity.

AFFILIATIONS

  • Royal College of Ophthalmologists
  • European Society of Retina Specialists (EURETINA)
  • European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS)
  • UK & Ireland Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons
  • International Ocular Inflammation Society
  • Chair and Lead, North West London Uveitis Network
  • Royal College of Ophthalmologists CESR Pathway Assessor
  • Former Associate College Tutor, Western Eye Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
  • NHS England Clinical Entrepreneur Programme Fellow
  • Former elected Public Governor, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

Harry Orlans

Consultant and Surgeon

SPECIALTIES

EDUCATION

– BA (Hons) Physiology & Neuroscience, 1st Class, University of Cambridge (2007)
 
– BM BCh Batchelor of Medicine & Batchelor of Surgery with Distinction, University of Oxford (2010)
 
– MA (Cantab), University of Cambridge (2011)
 
– The Crombie Medal, Royal College of Ophthalmologists (2011)
 
– FRCOphth, Royal College of Ophthalmologists (2017)
 
– DPhil (PhD), University of Oxford (2019)
 
– Fellowship in Vitreoretinal Surgery, St Thomas’ Hospital, London (2020-2021)
 
– Fellowship in Vitreoretinal Surgery, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London (2022-2023)
 
– Fellowship in Medical Retina, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London (2023)
 
– AFHEA, Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2025)
 

LATEST RESEARCH

– MRC/Fight for Sight Clinical Training Research Fellowship (2015)
 
– The Founders Cup and Medal, Oxford Ophthalmological Congress (2018)
 
– MRC Developmental Pathway Funding Scheme (2020)
 
– The Ruskell Medal for Research, The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers (2021)
 
Zheng Q, Orlans HO, Staurenghi F, McClements ME, MacLaren RE. Design and Validation of Mirtron-Mediated RNA Interference for Gene Therapy Therapy Methods Mol Biol. 2026; 3023: 195-206.
 
Orlans HO, Yazdouni S, Williamson TH, Wong RS, Laidlaw DAH. A novel post-operative drop regimen reduces risk of ocular hypertension following pars plana vitrectomy. Ophthalmologica. 2023; 246(1):32-38.
 
Azad A, Laidlaw DAH, Orlans HO. Using QR smartphone technology to improve patient communication and information distribution. Eye 2022;26(6):1321-1322.
 
Orlans HO, McClements ME, Barnard AR, et al. Mirtron-mediated RNA knockdown/replacement therapy for the treatment of dominant retinitis pigmentosa. Nat Commun 2021;12:4934.
 
Corazza P, D’Alterio FM, Kabbani J, Alum MMR, Mercuri S, Orlans HO, Younis S. Long-term outcomes of intravitreal anti-VEGF therapies in patients affected by neovascular age-related macular degeneration: a real-life study. BMC Ophthalmol 2021;21:300.
 
Xue K, Jolly JK, Barnard AR… Orlans HO et al. Beneficial effects on vision in patients undergoing retinal gene therapy for choroideremia. Nat Med 2018;24:1507–1512.

AFFILIATIONS

Fellowships and Memberships in Professional Societies
 
– Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists
 
– Member of the British & Eire Association of Vitreoretinal Surgeons (BEAVRS)
 
– Member of the European Society of Retinal Specialists (Euretina)
 
– Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (Advance HE)