What is it?
With age the vitreous jelly becomes more liquid and eventually separates from the retina. This is called a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) and happens to most people after 50, earlier in short-sighted eyes. It causes floaters and sometimes flashes, and in most people it is harmless.
In about 1 in 7 people with sudden PVD symptoms, the separating jelly tears the retina. A tear lets fluid get under the retina and can lead to a detachment within days to weeks. Only a dilated examination can tell the difference.
Symptoms
- A sudden increase in floaters: dots, cobwebs, rings
- Flashes of light, like a camera flash or lightning at the edge of vision
- A shadow or curtain over part of the vision
- Many tiny black dots ('soot' or 'pepper'), which can mean bleeding from a tear
Risk factors and causes
- Age over 50
- Short-sightedness
- Previous cataract surgery
- Eye injury
- Lattice degeneration
Same day: new flashes, a sudden shower of floaters, or any shadow. Old floaters that have not changed for months can wait for a routine check.
Call +91 98306 66650How it is diagnosed
- Dilated retina examination of the whole periphery
- B-scan if the view is blocked by blood
- A repeat check after 4 to 6 weeks, because tears can appear later
Treatment options
Reassurance and review
If there is no tear, floaters usually become less noticeable over weeks to months as the brain ignores them.
Barrage laser
Seals a tear in one 10 to 15 minute sitting, preventing a detachment in most cases.
Surgery
If the retina has already detached; see retinal detachment surgery.
Flashes, floaters & retinal tears cost in Kolkata
At Spectra a retina consultation costs ₹500, and barrage laser ₹3,000. Across Kolkata, laser for a retinal tear typically costs ₹3,000 to ₹8,000.
| Treatment / test | At Spectra | Typical Kolkata range |
|---|---|---|
| Retina specialist consultationper visit | ₹500 | ₹500 – ₹1,500 |
| Barrage laser for a retinal tearper eye | ₹3,000 | ₹3,000 – ₹8,000 |
| B-scan ultrasound of the eyeper test | ₹1,000 | ₹800 – ₹1,500 |
| Retinal detachment surgeryper eye | from ₹22,000 – ₹25,000 | ₹40,000 – ₹1,50,000 |
Spectra prices are those published by Spectra Eye Hospital. Kolkata ranges are indicative 2026 ranges across private eye hospitals in the city. Your final cost depends on the eye, the medicine, and the gas, oil or lens used, and is given to you in writing before any procedure.
Cashless and government schemes
Retina specialists for flashes, floaters & retinal tears
Dr. Subhajit Das
MBBS, DO, MS (Ophthalmology), FICO, FMRF
25+ years in medical and surgical retina, 7,500+ retinal procedures, vitreo-retina fellowship at Sankara Nethralaya (FMRF), ZEISS trained.
- Retinal detachment surgery
- Vitrectomy
- Scleral buckle
- Anti-VEGF injections
Dr. Aniruddha Maiti
MBBS, DO, DNB, FVRS, FICO, MRCS (Edinburgh), FACS
10,000+ vitreo-retinal operations since 2008, former Head of Retina at Susrut Eye Foundation, ASRS Honor Award recipient.
- Macular hole & ERM surgery
- Complex retinal detachment
- Diabetic vitrectomy
- Anti-VEGF & Ozurdex
Dr. Bishwanath Dutta Chowdhury
MBBS, DO, DNB, VR Fellowship
Fellowship-trained retina surgeon at Madhyamgram for retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
- Retina & vitreous surgery
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Macular degeneration
- Uveitis
Dr. Subijoy Sinha
MBBS, MD
Retina and vitreous specialist for diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and medical retina at Madhyamgram.
- Medical retina
- Retina & vitreous
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Macular degeneration
Dr. Swarup Pathak
MBBS, MS
Retina and vitreous specialist at Madhyamgram, also seeing uveitis, neuro-ophthalmology and squint.
- Medical retina
- Retina & vitreous
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Macular degeneration
Dr. Zeenat Shah
MBBS (Cal), DO (Cal)
Retina and vitreous specialist at Chinar Park for diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
- Medical retina
- Retina & vitreous
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Macular degeneration
Frequently asked questions
Are floaters dangerous?
Most are harmless. New floaters with flashes or a shadow can mean a retinal tear and need a same-day check.
Can floaters be removed?
Usually they fade or become less noticeable. Rarely, very disturbing floaters are removed by vitrectomy, but this carries surgical risks and is not routine.
How much does laser for a retinal tear cost?
₹3,000 at Spectra Eye Hospital; ₹3,000 to ₹8,000 across Kolkata.
Do I need to stop working after laser?
Normal light activities can continue the next day. Avoid heavy lifting and contact sports for about 2 weeks while the laser scar strengthens.
Related
Written by the retina team at Spectra Eye Hospital. Last updated 22 October 2026. This page explains common situations and is not a substitute for an eye examination.