What are the causes of retinal detachment?

Retinal detachment is a serious ophthalmic condition that may lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly. The main causes of retinal detachment include:

1. Age-related changes: With increasing age, the vitreous humor gradually liquefies. This transparent gel-like substance inside the eye separates from the retina, a process known as posterior vitreous detachment. Excessive traction on the retina during this process can easily cause retinal tears, leading to retinal detachment.

2. Trauma or surgery: Direct physical impact to the eye or certain ophthalmic surgeries, such as cataract surgery, may cause changes in intraocular pressure or direct retinal injury, increasing the risk of retinal detachment.

3. High myopia: In patients with high myopia, the eyeball is typically longer than normal, and the retina tends to be more fragile, making it prone to develop tears and detachment.

4. Heredity: Individuals with a family history of retinal detachment have an increased risk of developing the condition. Certain genetic disorders such as lens dislocation and Marfan syndrome are also associated with retinal detachment.

5. Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: Commonly seen in middle-aged or elderly individuals and those with myopia, this type is often caused by peripheral retinal degeneration and adhesions between the vitreous and retina, related to age, heredity, and trauma.

6. Tractional retinal detachment: Frequently occurs in conditions such as proliferative diabetic retinopathy, ocular trauma, or long-standing vitreous hemorrhage. The pathological changes exert traction on the retina, causing tears or detachment.

7. Exudative retinal detachment: Caused by intraocular conditions such as retinal or choroidal tumors, inflammation, retinal pigment epithelial disorders, retinal vascular diseases, and systemic diseases such as hypertension. These conditions lead to fluid accumulation beneath the retina, resulting in detachment.

Prevention of retinal detachment involves regular ophthalmic examinations, especially for high-risk individuals such as those with high myopia, the elderly, and those with a family history. Immediate medical attention should be sought if symptoms such as flashes of light, increased floaters, or sudden visual field darkening occur, to prevent vision loss.