What is a retinal tear or detachment?

If the retina of the eye suffers a "break" or tear in its normally continuous structure, the eye is at risk for a retinal detachment. A retinal detachment is simply a peeling away of the retina from its normal position of being attached to the back of the eye. Many times a tear on the retina allows fluid to seep under the retina, lifting it up until it detaches.

There are many causes for the above condition, including trauma, nearsightedness, and even as a result of other ocular surgical procedures. The speed in which the detachment or break is repaired usually determines the prognosis of the individual situation.

The symptoms to look out for are flashes of light, red or pink in your vision, a curtain or veil- like loss of vision, and an excessive number of floating objects in vision.

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