112 - Giant retinal tear

Abstract

A giant retinal tear, by definition, is a retinal tear of more than 90 degrees in circumference. Because the posterior vitreous is detached, the vitreous gel adheres to the anterior flap. Hence the posterior flap tends to fold over. By contrast, in a giant retinal dialysis, the retina tears at the ora serrata, or a break occurs in the ciliary epithelium with the vitreous adhering to the posterior retina. Thus the posterior flap does not have the tendency to fold over, because it is supported by the vitreous gel.