Causes of Retinal Detachment
Causes of Retinal detachment can be divided according to the type of retinal detachment which are Rhegmatogenous detachment, tractional retinal detachment and exudative retinal detachment. Retinal detachment occurs when fluid accumulates between the retina and the layer underneath it which is called retinal pigment epithelial layer.
Types of Retinal Detachment
1- Rhegmatogenous Detachment
There is a break, tears or holes in the retina which allow the fluid within the vitreous cavity or vitreous gel to pass through them to the subretinal space, separating it from the retinal pigment epithelial. This type of retinal detachment is the most common. Read more about Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment.
2- Tractional Retinal Detachment
It is the second most common type. There is a fibrous or fibrovascular membrane that pulls the retina away from retinal pigment epithelial layer.
3- Exudative Retinal Detachment
There are diseases that will affect the retina and/or choroid which will cause the fluid to accumulate between the retina and retinal pigment epithelial layer.
It is important to distinguish between the types of retinal detachments because the management will change according to the type.
