Can You Feel a Retinal Tear? Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

A retinal tear can develop without pain, which is why it’s so important to recognize the warning signs. You might assume a serious eye problem would hurt, but the retina does not contain pain-sensitive nerves in the same way many other parts of the body do. Instead, a retinal tear often announces itself through sudden changes in what you see.

One of the most common warning signs is a sudden increase in floaters. Floaters may look like tiny dots, threads, cobwebs, or specks drifting across your vision. Occasional floaters are common, especially as the eye changes with age. A sudden cluster of new floaters, however, can indicate that the vitreous gel inside the eye has pulled on the retina.

Flashes of light are another symptom not to be brushed aside. You may notice brief streaks, arcs, or flashes, particularly in your peripheral vision or when you move your eyes. These flashes can occur when the vitreous tugs on the retina. While flashes do not always mean a retinal tear has occurred, they warrant an eye examination so the retina can be evaluated.

A dark curtain or shadow moving across your vision is even more concerning. This can signal that a retinal tear has progressed to a retinal detachment, in which the retina separates from the tissue supporting it. A retinal detachment can permanently damage vision and requires urgent treatment.

You may also notice a sudden decrease in vision or a new area of missing vision. The location and severity of the change can vary depending on where the retinal tear or detachment occurs. Importantly, you do not need to experience every symptom for a retinal problem to be present.

Age is one risk factor because changes in the vitreous become more common over time. People who are highly nearsighted, have experienced significant eye trauma, have had previous eye surgery, or have a personal or family history of retinal detachment may also have an increased risk.

If you experience new flashes, a sudden increase in floaters, a shadow, a curtain, or unexplained vision loss, do not wait to see whether the symptoms disappear. A dilated retinal examination allows an ophthalmologist to examine the peripheral retina for a tear or other abnormality that cannot be identified simply by checking how clearly you can read an eye chart.

Not every floater or flash means a retinal tear. Sometimes these symptoms result from normal changes in the vitreous. The important distinction is whether the symptoms are new, sudden, or significantly different from what you have experienced before.

A retinal tear can sometimes be treated before it progresses to a detachment. Laser treatment or cryotherapy may be used to seal the tear and reduce the risk of further separation. If a detachment has already occurred, surgery may be necessary.

With retinal tears, pain is not the warning sign to wait for. Your vision may be telling you something is wrong before your eye ever feels uncomfortable.

If you experience sudden flashes, new floaters, a shadow, or any unexplained change in vision, Associated Retina Consultants can provide an urgent retinal evaluation and determine whether treatment is needed. Call PHONE or visit WEBSITE to schedule an examination and protect your vision.