Dr Ang Beng Chong
Ophthalmologist
Founding Partner and Senior Consultant
MBBS(S'pore), FRACS, FRCS(Edin), FAMS
Flashes of light, a sudden increase in floaters or changes in your vision may be caused by
either a retinal tear or retinal detachment. Although these conditions are closely
related, they are not the same. A retinal tear is a break in the retina, while retinal
detachment occurs when the retina separates from the tissues that support it. Left untreated,
a retinal tear may progress to retinal detachment, making early assessment important.
Understanding the differences between these conditions can help you recognise when symptoms
require urgent medical attention. Knowing how retinal tears and retinal detachment develop,
how they are treated and when to seek medical attention may help reduce the risk of permanent
vision loss.
What Is the Difference Between a Retinal Tear and Retinal Detachment?
Although retinal tears and retinal detachment both affect the retina, they represent different
stages of retinal damage and require different approaches to management. Understanding these differences can help explain how treatment decisions are made.
What Is a Retinal Tear?
A retinal tear is a small break in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of
the eye that allows you to see. It often develops when the vitreous, the clear gel that
fills the inside of the eye, naturally shrinks with age and pulls on the retina. While not
every retinal tear causes serious problems, it can allow fluid to pass beneath the retina,
increasing the risk of retinal detachment if left untreated.
What Is Retinal Detachment?
Retinal detachment occurs when fluid collects beneath the retina, causing it to separate
from the underlying tissues that support it and supply oxygen and nutrients. Once
detached, the retina cannot function normally, which may lead to partial or permanent
vision loss without prompt treatment. Unlike a retinal tear, retinal detachment is an eye
emergency that often requires surgery to reattach the retina.
Can a Retinal Tear Lead to Retinal Detachment?
Whether a retinal tear progresses to retinal detachment depends on how the tear behaves after
it develops. Some retinal tears remain stable, while others allow the retina to separate from
the underlying tissues over time. Because some retinal tears have a higher risk of
progressing to retinal detachment, an ophthalmologist will assess the tear and may recommend
treatment even when symptoms are mild.
Progression is more likely when:
- The tear is large or located in an area under ongoing vitreous traction.
- Multiple retinal tears are present.
- Fluid begins to collect beneath the retina.
- Treatment is delayed after the tear develops.
Early assessment allows an ophthalmologist to determine whether treatment is appropriate and
may help reduce the risk of retinal detachment.
How Are Retinal Tears and Retinal Detachment Treated?
Treatment depends on whether the retina has developed a tear or has already detached. A retinal
tear may be treated to reduce the risk of fluid passing beneath the retina and causing
detachment, while retinal detachment usually requires surgery to reattach the retina.
How Is a Retinal Tear Treated?
Some retinal tears can be treated with laser photocoagulation or cryotherapy. These
procedures create a seal around the tear by forming scar tissue, helping to prevent fluid
from passing through the tear and collecting beneath the retina.
Not every retinal tear requires treatment. Your ophthalmologist will assess factors such
as the location and characteristics of the tear, associated symptoms and whether there are
signs that the retina is beginning to detach before recommending treatment or monitoring.
How Is Retinal Detachment Treated?
Retinal detachment usually requires surgery. Depending on the type, location and extent of
the detachment, treatment may involve a vitrectomy, scleral buckle or pneumatic
retinopexy. The aim is to close or support any retinal breaks, remove or prevent fluid
from accumulating beneath the retina and return the retina to its normal position.
If a gas bubble is placed inside the eye during treatment, you may need to keep your head
in a specific position while the eye heals. You will also need to avoid air travel and
high-altitude environments until the gas bubble has fully dissolved.
Recovery and visual outcomes vary depending on factors such as the extent of the
detachment and whether the central part of the retina, known as the macula, was affected.
Regular follow-up examinations allow your ophthalmologist to monitor healing and check
that the retina remains attached.
Retinal Tear and Retinal Detachment Care at Eye & Retina Surgeons
Retinal tears and retinal detachment can cause similar symptoms, but they differ in how they
affect the retina and how they are treated. Because it can be difficult to distinguish between
them without a detailed eye examination, sudden changes in vision should be assessed promptly.
Seek urgent assessment if you experience sudden flashes of light, a sudden increase in
floaters, a dark curtain or shadow across your vision, loss of peripheral vision or sudden
blurred or distorted vision. Early assessment can establish whether the retina has developed a
tear or has already detached, allowing appropriate treatment to be recommended.
At Eye & Retina Surgeons, retinal care is led by Dr Ang Beng Chong, founding partner and
senior consultant ophthalmologist, alongside a team of eye specialists. Patients with retinal
symptoms undergo a comprehensive eye examination to identify retinal tears, retinal detachment
and other possible causes, with treatment recommended based on their examination findings,
symptoms and clinical needs.
If you experience concerning changes in your vision, book an appointment for a comprehensive
eye examination as soon as possible.
FAQs About Retinal Tears and Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment cannot always be prevented. However, identifying and treating certain retinal tears before they progress may reduce the risk of detachment. Regular eye examinations may be recommended for people with risk factors such as high myopia or previous eye surgery, while new flashes, floaters or changes in vision should be assessed promptly.
No. Flashes and floaters may occur for other reasons, including age-related changes to the vitreous. However, new flashes or a sudden increase in floaters can also occur with a retinal tear or retinal detachment. Seek prompt assessment if they appear suddenly, particularly if accompanied by a shadow, loss of peripheral vision or other changes in vision.
Recovery instructions depend on the procedure performed. You may be advised to temporarily avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, swimming and rubbing the operated eye. If a gas bubble has been placed inside the eye, you should avoid air travel and high-altitude environments until your ophthalmologist confirms that the bubble has dissolved.
Visual recovery varies between individuals and may continue over several weeks or months. The extent of recovery depends on factors such as the severity and duration of the detachment and whether the macula was affected. Regular follow-up examinations allow your ophthalmologist to monitor healing and check that the retina remains attached.
