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Retinal Tear

What is the retina?

The retina is the light-sensitive layer of tissue covering the inside of the back of the eye. It is similar to film in a camera and “sees” the image formed by the front of the eye. The centre of the retina is called the macula. The vitreous is a clear, jelly-like fluid that fills the inside of the eye and is attached to the retina at certain points

What treatment is needed for retinal tears?

Retinal tears require treatment using laser surgery or retinal cryotherapy (freezing), which seals the retina to the back wall of the eye.

Laser is often performed using a lens placed on the eye as an outpatient procedure in the Clinic. Retinal cryotherapy is performed in the Day Surgery using local anaesthesia. These procedures do not involve open surgery.