Symptoms

How do you know if you have a torn retina?

The retinal neural tissue is very sensitive to any visual or mechanical stimulation. If you sustain a tear in the retina, you may notice several changes:

• You may see an increased number of black spots or floaters in the liquefied vitreous. The new floaters probably result from a little bit of blood and debris that have entered the vitreous as it pulls away from the retina and makes a small tear in it.

• You may have a series of light flashes within your visual field, even with the eyelids closed. These flashing lights are the direct result of mechanical stimulation of the retinal neural tissue by the vitreous gel that tugs on it as it separates from the retina.

• Your vision changes after a sharp blow to the eye.

• You may notice a shadow or curtain blocking an area of your vision.

Typically, you will not experience any pain.