PURPOSE: To report a side effect of transpupillary thermotherapy for choroidal melanoma. DESIGN: Small case series. METHODS: Review of clinical charts and photographs in a private retina practice. RESULTS: Retinal tears developed in two patients after transpupillary thermotherapy for choroidal melanoma. In one patient a secondary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment developed. CONCLUSIONS: Transpupillary thermotherapy can result in vitreous traction on the retina over the choroidal tumor, which can lead to a retinal tear and to retinal detachment. Patients should be warned about this possibility and advised to be examined should photopsias or new floaters develop after treatment.