A retinal tear is a full-thickness break through all of the retinal layers. Tears usually occur in the periphery as a result of vitreous traction and can lead to retinal detachment. Atrophy of inner retinal layers can lead to a retinal break. According to clinical and autopsy studies, asymptomatic retinal breaks are found in 6% of eyes.

Retinal tears are associated with myopia (nearsightedness), pseudophakia (after cataract surgery), lattice degeneration, and trauma. Liquefaction of the vitreous and posterior vitreous detachments lead to vitreous traction and may lead to a break in the retina. Blunt trauma to the eye may rapidly compress the eye in the anterior-posterior plane and expand the eye in the equatorial plane, causing severe traction and possible retinal breaks.

When the vitreous fluid leaks through the tear, fluid can accumulate beneath the retina and separate the retina from the underlying retinal pigment epithelium and the choriocapillaris (blood supply). This separation of layers is called a retinal detachment. Most retinal breaks do not progress to retinal detachment.

Symptoms of floaters and flashing lights may accompany a retinal tear, though most breaks remain asymptomatic. A retinal tear (especially symptomatic ones) may progress to a retinal detachment within hours, leading to progressive visual field loss.