
In some cases, no definite cause for detachment can be identified. Individuals with lattice degeneration are about 10 times more likely to develop a detachment.Īdditionally, certain inflammatory conditions and infections, particularly viral, are associated with higher retinal detachment risks. Another risk factor is lattice degeneration, in which patches of the peripheral (side) retina thins, and the vitreous develops abnormal adhesion, making tearing more likely. The worse your myopia, the greater your chances of retinal detachment development.

Myopic eyes are shaped longer, which stretches and thins the retina, increasing tearing risks. Myopia is also a risk factor for retinal tears and detachment. And while PVD is the most common cause, other risk factors include: eye injury or trauma previously having a retinal tear or detachment in your other eye family history of retinal tears or detachment having weak retinal areas, as seen during an eye exam and having undergone eye surgery for cataracts or glaucoma. There’s no way to predict who might develop a retinal tear or when it may occur. If you have a new retinal tear, your risk for a detachment is about 70 percent. Typically, within two months of retinal tear symptoms’ onset, 10 percent of affected eyes develop subsequent retinal tears. Retinal tears and detachment can affect any age group, male or female. These conditions are very common, and generally, they occur through no fault of the patient. Contrary to popular belief, retinal tears and detachments don’t only occur in those who’ve experienced trauma. Eventually, it completely detaches and moves out of its proper place this is known as a retinal detachment.

As more fluid seeps in, the retina’s pushed and separates from the eye wall.

Over time, the vitreous shrinks and sticks to the retina, pulling it away from the eyewall and leading to the development of retinal tears.Ī tear can create an opening, allowing vitreal fluid to leak behind the retina. PVD targets the vitreous (or vitreous gel or humor), a clear, jelly-like gel that maintains the eye’s shape and provides light with a clear pathway to the retina. However, due to a common condition called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), normal aging can endanger your retina. The retina is essentially a thin sheet of light-sensitive nerve tissue lining the eye’s back wall, much like wallpaper.
