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Retinal Tears and Detachment

A retinal tear is a small break or opening in the retina.

What Is Retinal Tear?

A retinal tear is a small break or opening in the retina. If fluid passes through the tear, the retina can detach, leading to permanent vision loss if untreated.

Who it affects:

Most often adults over age 50, especially those with high myopia (severe nearsightedness), prior eye surgery, or trauma.

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Common Symptoms

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Sudden increase in floaters (small dark spots or cobwebs)

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Flashes of light in one eye

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A shadow or curtain over part of your vision

Warning Signs:

Any sudden new flashes, floaters, or a dark curtain in your vision is an emergency — seek care immediately.

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Treatments

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Laser or freezing (cryo) treatment for small tears, usually performed in the office

Pneumatic retinopexy, involving the placement of a gas bubble

Surgery (such as vitrectomy or scleral buckle) for retinal detachment

For more information about flashes and floaters, read our detailed blog post here. For information on retinal detachment repair, explore these pages for vitrectomy and scleral buckle surgery. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Schedule Your Eye Exam Today

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Our specialists use advanced retinal imaging to detect macular degeneration early and guide the right treatment for your needs.

Real Patient Experiences

Bear Findley

2026-03-10

Excellent retina specialist! So happy I found Dr Wong! 👏👏👏👏👏

Gabriela Rossello

2026-03-08

Dr. Wong is very nice, efficient and thorough. She explained everything to me as she was doing the exam. Went over findings. Made recommendations and a plan of action. It is great that there is free parking. Her office is very nice and spacious. For my first time ever visiting an ophthalmologist, this was a very good experience. I highly recommend her.

Robin Frank

2026-02-26

Dr. Wong is an outstanding retina specialist in Bethesda, Maryland. She is incredibly skilled, attentive, and thorough in her evaluations. She carefully explains diagnoses and treatment options, ensuring I feel informed and supported. Her bedside manner is excellent — she is patient, kind, and truly listens. The office is well-organized, and the overall experience is always positive. I highly recommend Dr. Wong to anyone seeking top-quality retinal care. Ms. R.F.

mamet amantai191615

2026-02-17

Good service and good treatment methods

flyhigh72 “flyhigh”

2026-01-23

Dr. Wong is a very thorough and knowledgeable physician. Our visit was extremely pleasant, and she took the time to provide clear and detailed explanations. The front desk staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful, and the office is beautifully decorated and very comfortable. Overall, it was a wonderful and pleasantly surprising experience for us.

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4.5/5

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