Q:"I had a vitrectomy about two years ago on my right eye, where vitreous gel was removed from the middle of my eye. I also had cataract surgery about six months ago on the same eye.These two operations were performed at one eye centre.During a routine follow-up at the centre, both my eyes were found to be in good condition.However, at another eye centre where I had sought a second opinion, my left eye was found to have a retinal tear, via an "indentation" procedure. I went back to the first centre but was told there was no retinal tear in my left eye.What should I do?"

A:"The retina is a light-sensitive nerve layer lining the inside surface of the back of the eye. The vitreous is the gel-like material that fills the inside of your eye. Ageing, high myopia and trauma can cause the vitreous to become more liquid and shrink. This contraction can cause the vitreous to separate from the surface of the retina, in some cases, tugging on it with enough force to create a retinal tear.If you experience symptoms of seeing floaters or flashes, visit your ophthalmologist for a thorough retina examination to check if you have a retinal tear," advises Dr Lynn Yeo,Senior Consultant Eye Surgeon at Eagle Eye Centre. "If a retinal tear is found, a laser procedure - argon laser photocoagulation - is used to seal it. This procedure is quick - it takes 10-15 minutes - and does not require any hospitalisation."...

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