Q. What is a retinal tear?

A retinal tear happens when the vitreous gel inside the eye, which naturally shrinks and separates with age, pulls hard enough on the retina to create a break. This is often accompanied by new flashes of light and a sudden increase in floaters. On its own, a tear does not cause vision loss, but it creates a pathway for fluid to seep underneath the retina.

Q. What is retinal detachment?

Retinal detachment occurs when fluid passes through a retinal tear and separates the retina from the underlying tissue that supplies it with blood and nutrients. Once detached, that portion of the retina stops functioning properly, and vision loss can become permanent if surgery is delayed.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

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