A retinal tear is a break in the delicate tissue lining located inside the back of the eye and if left untreated may progress to a more serious condition known as a retinal detachment. A retinal tear may occur spontaneously, but most often is associated with certain eye conditions. For example, people who are nearsighted (in which the eye is longer than normal) are at higher risk of retinal tears and detachments and should be examined regularly. More commonly a Posterior Vitreous Detachment or ‘PVD’, in which the jelly substance inside the eye separates from the back of the eye, can cause noticeable symptoms of flashes of light and floaters in one’s vision. Infrequently a PVD can lead to a tear in the retina. Since PVDs and their associated floaters and flashes are common, the only way to determine the presence of a retinal tear is with a thorough examination by an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. If a retinal tear is found, it can be treated immediately with laser in the office to prevent the tear from developing into a retinal detachment where the retina begins to separate from the back of the eye.
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