---
title: What causes giant retinal tears?
description: "Giant retinal tears are large full-thickness breaks in the retina extending over 90 degrees of its circumference. They result from extensive traction on a weakened peripheral retina. ## Risk Factors High myopia, previous eye surgery, trauma, and certain inherited conditions…"
url: "https://bluefinvision.com/knowledge-base/topics/conditions-diseases/what-causes-giant-retinal-tears/"
updated: "2025-12-11"
category: "Conditions & Diseases"
---

# What causes giant retinal tears?

Giant retinal tears are large full-thickness breaks in the retina extending over 90 degrees of its circumference. They result from extensive traction on a weakened peripheral retina.

## Risk Factors

High myopia, previous eye surgery, trauma, and certain inherited conditions increase the risk. In some cases, tears occur spontaneously in otherwise healthy eyes.

- Often associated with abnormal vitreoretinal adhesion
- Can progress rapidly to retinal detachment
- May be bilateral or recur in the fellow eye

## Mechanism

During posterior vitreous detachment, the vitreous may pull strongly on a broad arc of retina, causing it to tear and roll. The large size makes reattachment more challenging than for small tears.

## Further Information

Management typically involves complex vitreoretinal surgery, described on the [vitreoretinal surgery](https://bluefinvision.com/vitreoretinal-surgery/) page. General background on tears and detachments is also provided in Blue Fin Vision® blog resources on vitrectomy and retinal disease.