What is the most common cause of retinal detachment?

Rhegmatogenous detachment is the most common type of retinal detachment, occurring when a tear or break in the retina allows fluid from the vitreous to seep underneath the retina, leading to its separation from the underlying tissues. This type is typically associated with conditions like myopia (nearsightedness) or trauma, and age-related changes in the vitreous can contribute to the formation of these tears.

Understanding the pathophysiology behind rhegmatogenous detachment clarifies why it is so prevalent compared to other types. Exudative detachment, for instance, occurs due to fluid accumulation without a retinal break and is often seen in inflammatory diseases or tumors. Traction detachment involves fibrous tissue pulling on the retina, usually related to conditions like diabetic retinopathy or proliferative vitreoretinopathy, and while these are significant, they are less common. Acute tear detachment is not a standard classification of retinal detachment but rather describes the immediate consequences of a tear that may lead to rhegmatogenous detachment.