The retina is a clear tissue that lines the back of the eye. The retina sends and electrical signal to the brain when light falls on it. Retinal tears can be caused by trauma, vitreous shrinkage or poliferative vitreoretinopathy, most are caused by acute vitreous collapse. Management of tears by prophylactic laser therapy or cryopexy is relatively simple and very effective and helps prevent the tear progressing to a retinal detachment.