Retina & Vitreous · Patient Q&A

What is a retinal tear?

Medically reviewed by Carl J. May Jr., MD · American Board of OphthalmologyReviewed July 9, 2026

If this is a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For urgent eye symptoms during office hours, call May Eye Care Center at (717) 637-1919. When is it an eye emergency? →

Direct answer

A retinal tear happens when the shrinking vitreous gel pulls hard enough to rip the retina — usually announced by a sudden shower of new floaters or flashes of light. The tear itself is painless and can seem minor, but fluid can pass through it and peel the retina off within days, turning a five-minute laser fix into major surgery. New flashes or a burst of floaters warrant a dilated exam promptly — same day or next day, not at a routine future visit. Call (717) 637-1919; a tear caught early is usually sealed with a quick in-office laser.

§Read video transcript

Over the course of an individual's lifetime, the vitreous inside of the eye shrinks. As it continues to shrink, a portion of retinal tissue may stay attached to the vitreous, leading to a retinal tear. If a tear forms in the retina, you may notice slight changes in your vision such as flashes or floaters. This condition requires routine check-ups with your eye-care professional. If left untreated, retinal tears can lead to severe damage to your vision.

Dr. May’s Perspective

A retinal tear often occurs when the vitreous gel pulls hard enough to rip the retina. Symptoms may include flashes, new floaters, or a shower of spots. A tear can progress to retinal detachment if fluid passes through the break and lifts the retina. That is why sudden flashes and floaters deserve a dilated retinal exam, especially in nearsighted patients, after trauma, or after eye surgery. Catching a tear before detachment is exactly when treatment can be most protective. For patients in Hanover, York, Adams County, South Central Pennsylvania, and nearby Maryland, sudden vision loss, flashes, floaters, a curtain in vision, painful vision loss, or neurologic symptoms should be treated as urgent until an ophthalmologist examines the eye.

— Carl J. May Jr., MD, Board-Certified Ophthalmologist

Medical sources

This page and video are for general patient education and are not a substitute for a medical examination, diagnosis, or treatment. Eye conditions vary by individual. For advice about your eyes, schedule an evaluation with May Eye Care Center. In an emergency, call 911.

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What is a retinal tear?

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