Retinal Tear: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Retinal Tear?
An ophthalmologist, a medical doctor who specializes in eye care, treats retinal tears, often a retina specialist with extra training in retinal diseases. An optometrist can find warning signs during an exam but will refer you to an ophthalmologist for treatment.
What it is
A retinal tear is a small break in the retina, the thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye that senses light and sends images to the brain. When the retina tears, fluid can pass through the break and lift the retina away from the wall of the eye, leading to a retinal detachment, a serious problem that can cause permanent vision loss if not treated. A tear does not always cause a detachment, but any tear needs prompt attention from an eye doctor.
Symptoms
A retinal tear often causes a sudden increase in floaters, small specks, dots, or cobweb shapes that drift across your vision. Many people also see flashes of light, especially in their side vision, or a dark shadow or curtain moving across part of what they see. If you notice any of these changes, you should be seen quickly, even if your vision still seems fine.
Causes and who gets it
Most retinal tears happen when the gel inside the eye shrinks with age and pulls on the retina. People who are very nearsighted, have had eye injuries or eye surgery, or have a family history are at higher risk.
How doctors diagnose it
An eye doctor dilates your pupil with drops and looks inside your eye with a bright light and special lenses to see the retina and find any tears.
Treatment
Most tears are treated with laser or a freezing treatment to seal the tear to the wall of the eye. Sealing a tear helps prevent a retinal detachment.
When to see a doctor
See an eye doctor right away if you suddenly notice new floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow in your vision.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either one can be a helpful first call when your vision changes, but they do not treat retinal tears themselves, so they would refer you to an ophthalmologist right away.
Common questions
Can a retinal tear heal on its own?
A tear does not seal itself the way a cut on the skin does. Some tears found by chance never cause problems, but doctors often treat them to prevent a detachment. Only an eye exam can tell whether a tear needs treatment.
Are floaters always a sign of a tear?
No. Most floaters are harmless and come from normal age changes in the gel inside the eye. A sudden burst of new floaters, especially with flashes, is different and needs a prompt exam.
Does treatment hurt?
Laser and freezing treatments are usually done with numbing drops or injections. Most people feel some pressure or mild discomfort.
Can I prevent a retinal tear?
You cannot fully prevent one, since aging changes in the eye are the main cause. Wearing protective eyewear during sports and work lowers some risks, as does keeping blood sugar well controlled if you have diabetes. Regular dilated eye exams help find problems early.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
