# Symptoms of a Retinal Tear

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/blog/eye-diseases/symptoms-of-a-retinal-tear

**Author:** Kudret Eye İstanbul | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-17

> **Summary:** A retinal tear is a break in the retinal layer that can lead to the retina separating from where it is attached, a very serious condition. Its typical symptoms are a sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light and darkening of vision, usually without pain, so prompt medical attention is essential.

## Quick Facts
- **Pain:** Usually none
- **Key symptoms:** Sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, moving spots, darkening or a curtain across vision
- **Main risk group:** High myopia above six dioptres
- **Tear without detachment:** Laser sealing (argon laser), outpatient, usually home the same day
- **Tear with detachment:** Vitrectomy

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## Symptoms
- Sudden increase in floaters
- Flashes of light
- Spots moving in the eye
- Darkening of vision or a curtain across it

A doctor should be consulted quickly before permanent damage forms. Regular check-ups allow early diagnosis.

## Causes
- High myopia of six dioptres and above, through thinning of the retina.
- Age-related deterioration of the vitreous.
- Eye injuries or trauma.
- Family history (genetic predisposition).
- Previous operations or serious eye conditions.
- Weakening of retinal tissue due to certain conditions.
- Traction as the vitreous shrinks or pulls away.
- Infections of the eyeball.
- Structural abnormalities of the eyeball.
- Sometimes the cause cannot be found.

## Diagnosis
- History: previous conditions, regular medication, family eye conditions, current symptoms.
- Pupils dilated with drops; inside of the eye examined with a microscope and lenses (detailed fundus examination).
- OCT or B-scan ultrasound where necessary.
- Tears can also be found during routine check-ups.

## Treatment
- **Argon laser:** For a tear alone; seals the tear. Outpatient, usually home the same day.
- **Laser or cryopexy:** Where there is no detachment and the tear's position and shape are suitable.
- **Vitrectomy:** When the tear has progressed to retinal detachment; the vitreous is removed and gas (SF6 or C3F8) or silicone oil tamponade is injected to return the retina to position; laser and gas or silicone tamponade can be used according to the size of the tear.
- **Scleral buckle:** Thin silicone bands placed outside the eye, under the conjunctiva beneath the eye muscles, let the retina settle back; effective in selected cases.
- **Pneumatic retinopexy:** Gas placed in the eye with laser or cryotherapy when the tear is suitably positioned.

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## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: How quickly should a retinal tear be treated?**
A: As soon as possible. Delay can lead to retinal detachment and permanent sight loss.

**Q: Can a retinal tear be noticed in advance?**
A: It is hard to notice before symptoms; it is found through a detailed eye examination. Flashes, black spots or vision changes need urgent attention.

**Q: Who is at risk?**
A: People with high myopia, diabetes, a family history, trauma, lattice degeneration, those after cataract surgery, and older people.

**Q: How is the risk reduced?**
A: Regular check-ups for risk groups, protection from blows to the eye (protective glasses in contact sports), and control of diabetes and hypertension.

**Q: Can a retinal tear be treated with laser?**
A: Yes. Without retinal detachment, the area around the tear is sealed with laser, with great success, as an outpatient procedure; if detachment has developed, vitrectomy is needed.

**Q: Are a retinal tear and retinal detachment the same?**
A: No. A tear is an opening in the retina; untreated, it can progress to detachment.

**Q: What is recovery like?**
A: It depends on the method. With a gas tamponade, head positioning may be needed for a period; check-ups should not be missed.

**Q: Can a tear recur or affect the other eye?**
A: New tears can develop, especially if risk factors persist, and the same mechanisms can occur in the fellow eye, so both need regular follow-up.

**Q: Does screen use cause a tear?**
A: Not directly.