Retinal Tear

A retinal tear may occur after an episode of flashes and floaters, but it may also have no symptoms at all. It occurs when the clear vitreous gel within the eye shrinks and separates from the back of the eye with enough force to tear the retina at a point of adherence. A resulting tear or hole is of concern because it allows a path for clear vitreous fluid to collect and spread underneath the retina, leading to a retinal detachment. When detected early, a retinal tear may be treated with laser or cryotherapy which greatly reduces the risk of a retinal detachment.