What is a retinal tear?

Over the course of an individual's lifetime, the vitreous inside of the eye shrinks. As it continues to shrink, a portion of retinal tissue may stay attached to the vitreous, leading to a retinal tear. If a tear forms in the retina, you may notice slight changes in your vision such as flashes or floaters. This condition requires routine check-ups with your eye-care professional. If left untreated, retinal tears can lead to severe damage to your vision.

Laser therapy is a quick and painless procedure to repair certain types of retinal tears. First, a topical anesthetic is applied to the eye. Following the anesthetic, a laser beam is directed into the eye, creating a series of tiny spots that seal the area around the tear.