Refers to the detachment of the inner layer of the retina from the retinal pigment epithelium

Aetiology

Rhegmatogenous

• Tears or holes in the retina leading to detachment - most common cause
• Requires acute posterior vitreous detachment and predisposing peripheral retinal degeneration

Risk factors

• Posterior vitreous detachment
• Pathological myopia
• Previous intraocular surgery
• Trauma

Non-rhegmatogenous

• Detachment without any retinal tears

Tractional

1. Formation of vitreoretinal bands (most commonly due to proliferative diabetic retinopathy)
2. Pressure on the band during eye movement or as a result of sudden decrease in intraocular pressure
3. Retinal detachment

Exudative

• Subretinal fluid accumulation without retinal tears

Causes