What are the symptoms of retinal tears and retinal detachment? Symptoms of both retinal tears and retinal detachments can include the following:
A sudden increase in size and number of floaters, indicating a retinal tear may be occurring;
A sudden appearance of flashes, which could be the first stage of a retinal tear or detachment;
Having a shadow appear in the periphery (side) of your field of vision;
Seeing a gray curtain moving across your field of vision;
A sudden decrease in your vision.
Floaters and flashes in themselves are quite common and do not always mean you have a retinal tear or detachment. However, if they are suddenly more severe and you notice you are losing vision, you should call your ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) right away.
Last reviewed and updated in March 2010, by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
