Retinal tear
The vitreous gel occupies the entire back portion of the eyeball. With age, the vitreous gel begins to liquefy and pull away from the retina, an event called a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). Typically, this happens to everyone without complications. However, in a small percentage of patients, the vitreous gel is so adherent to the retina and pulls so hard on it that it creates a tear. If this tear is along a blood vessel of the retina, this may cause bleeding into the vitreous (called a vitreous hemorrhage) and can cloud the vision.
What are some symptoms of a retinal tear?
What are some treatment options for a retinal tear?
Retinal tears can be treated with a variety of options. Typically, laser treatment is offered in an ophthalmologist’s office to seal the area in order to prevent retinal detachments.
What are some possible complications of a retinal tear?
Upon noticing symptoms like flashes and floaters, one should see an ophthalmologist immediately. Un-examined retinal tears can pose a serious risk, because fluid can enter through the tear under the retinal and lift the retina off, causing a retinal detachment, much like damp wallpaper peeling from the wall. This visually impairing condition will require surgery to re-attach the retina.