A retinal tear occurs when
the clear gel (vitreous humor) inside the eyeball cavity pulls away from its
attachment to the retina (the nerve layer that lines the inside of the eyeball
and transmits images to the brain). Sometimes the vitreous gel pulls hard enough
to create a tear in the retina in one or more places. Key warning signs
are:
- Flashing lights
- New floaters involving
either the central or peripheral vision
Retinal tears can be
repaired easily in the office with laser treatment. Laser burns are applied so
that the tear is completely surrounded, forming a barrier preventing fluid from
getting under the retina and causing a detachment. The term for this treatment
is laser retinopexy.�
Retina Tear
