H33: Retinal detachments and breaks
H33.3: Retinal breaks without detachment
The retina is a layer inside the eye. It contains a lot of sensory cells that can perceive light. There are sensory cells for colors and sensory cells for light and dark. The sensory cells pass the information on to the nerve cells in the optic nerve.
The vitreous body of the eye consists of a transparent, gel-like fluid. It is surrounded by a thin membrane and fills the entire rear area of the eye. This is how it gives the eye its shape. In some places the vitreous body is joined to the retina. As we age, the vitreous body may contract so that it pulls on the retina. The retina may then tear as a result. The retina may also tear for a variety of other reasons.
A torn retina is not usually painful. One often sees flashes of light or small black dots.
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