A retinal tear can occur due to aging or an eye injury. Similar to retinal detachment, a tear in the retina can cause shadows in vision or flashes. If left untreated, a retinal tear can lead to retinal detachment. Retinal tears often require treatment–but not always.
A retinal tear is considered an emergency because it can lead to a retinal detachment, which can threaten or cause serious vision loss. However, a retinal tear itself does not usually cause vision loss, unless the tear rips through a blood vessel and blood enters the vitreous. If we detect a retinal tear before fluid goes under the retina and causes a retinal detachment, we can treat it with laser or freezing cryo therapy in the clinic. Most patients do well with these treatments, and there are few side effects and little down time.
