When a retinal tear occurs, a person may notice a sudden increase in floaters, dark spots in their vision, or flashing lights. Learn more about symptoms and when to get help.

Generally, they are harmless, but if you experience a sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow appearing in your peripheral vision, it could signal a retinal tear or detachment.

Medically reviewed by Andrew Greenberg, MD A retinal tear is a common age-related eye condition. It causes eye floaters and flashes of light and may lead to more severe vision problems. On its own ...

Mild floaters are a normal part of aging. Floaters that suddenly occur more often, won’t go away, or happen with other eye symptoms, may mean a serious problem.

Eye floaters may signal a detached retina, but there are other causes. We review them and when to contact a doctor.

Retinal tears can lead to retinal detachment, or detachment can occur due to other causes. Learn the symptoms, treatment, and outlook for these conditions.

2. Retinal tear Experts say that retinal tears are one of the most concerning causes of eye floaters.

Eye floaters are small specks or shapes that you may see in your vision. Learn more about the cause and how to treat them.

Blunt eye trauma can cause bruises and scarring of the retina. Following a blunt trauma, tears can develop and lead to blinding retinal detachments at any time in life. Symptoms of retinal detachment ...

And, if you see any symptoms of a retinal tear or detachment, flashes of light, sudden appearance of black spots of floaters, sudden darkening or blurred vision, seek medical care immediately.

2. Retinal tear Experts say that retinal tears are one of the most concerning causes of eye floaters. "If the retina tears, it can release pigment or blood into the vitreous that would be seen as ...