retinal dialysis

retinal dialysis 

A retinal tear at the ora serrata. It usually results from trauma, although some tears occur spontaneously. If the trauma is intense there may also be a retinal break at the optic disc but the most frequent location is in the lower temporal quadrant. The condition is most typically asymptomatic. However, as it often gives rise to retinal detachment, the patient may report some of the symptoms associated with the latter. Perimetry and binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy are essential in the exam-ination of this condition. In some cases the tear does not progress, but because of the risk of retinal detachment, patients must be referred to a retinal specialist. Syn. retinal disinsertion. See retinal break.