---
title: "Retinal tear | Eye Health Guide"
description: "What a retinal tear is, why new flashes and floaters are warning signs, and how laser treatment prevents detachment. Clinically reviewed."
url: https://eyehealthguide.org/conditions/retinal-tear/
source: Eye Health Guide
licence: "General information only. Cite the URL and the named medical reviewer."
---

Condition

# Retinal tear

Medical reviewer [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/mohamed-mohyudin/)· Last recorded site review July 6, 2026

### About this review

This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.

[How review works](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/) · [Official biography & credentials](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/author/mohamed-mohyudin/)

Quick answer

A retinal tear is a split in the retina that can let fluid behind it and cause retinal detachment. It often presents with new flashes and floaters after the vitreous gel pulls on the retina. Same-day laser or freezing treatment seals many tears and prevents detachment.

### On this page ⌄

1. Your next step
2. What it is
3. Warning symptoms
4. Risk factors
5. Treatment
6. Related conditions
7. Related symptoms
8. Treatments & Surgery
9. Frequently asked questions

## What it is

As the vitreous gel shrinks it can tug on the retina, creating a tear. Fluid may then pass through the tear, lifting the retina off — retinal detachment.

## Warning symptoms

Treat these as urgent.

- Sudden new flashes of light
- A sudden shower of floaters
- A shadow or curtain spreading across vision
- Symptoms after eye injury or in very short-sighted people

## Risk factors

High short-sightedness, previous eye surgery, injury, lattice degeneration and family history of detachment increase risk. Posterior vitreous detachment is a common trigger in older adults.

## Treatment

Laser or cryotherapy around the tear creates a scar barrier that prevents detachment. When caught early, treatment is quick and often done in clinic. A spreading shadow suggests detachment and needs emergency surgery.

## Related conditions

## Related symptoms

## Treatments & Surgery

## Frequently asked questions

### Is a retinal tear an emergency?

Yes. New flashes, floaters or a shadow need same-day eye assessment. Early laser treatment can prevent retinal detachment.

### What is the difference between a retinal tear and detachment?

A tear is a split in the retina; detachment is when the retina lifts away. A tear can be sealed before detachment occurs if treated promptly.

### How is a retinal tear treated?

Laser or freezing treatment around the tear seals the retina and greatly reduces detachment risk. It is usually done promptly in clinic or hospital.

Your next step

## Take this to your appointment

Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment.

Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet.

## Sources for this information

These references support the information on this page. Follow the linked source for its full context.

- [Retinal tears and breaks - Moorfields Eye Hospital](https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/eye-conditions/retinal-tears-and-breaks)