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Causes and risk factors of Retinal Detachment
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Risk factors
The main risk factors for a detached retina are:
Advanced age.
High or pathological myopia, which is excessive elongation of the eyeball, associated with abnormal stretching of all its structures and possible thinning of some tissues, such as the retina and choroid. The patient has more than 6 dioptres
A history of eye trauma
A detached retina in the other eye
Causes of Retinal Detachment
With age, the vitreous humour (jelly-like substance inside the eye) may change consistency and it can contract or become more fluid, separating from the retina. This is called posterior vitreous detachment and is a common condition that usually occurs without complications.
However, sometimes the vitreous humour is abnormally attached to the retina and, when it separates, it can pull on the retina causing a tear. If left untreated, fluid can leak through this tear into the empty space, forming a sac and causing retinal detachment.
A detached retina may be localised but, if left untreated, it can spread and affect the entire retina.
Retinal detachment can also occur due to:
Spontaneous (the most common).
Eye trauma.
After eye surgery, such as a cataract.
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Substantiated information by:
Anna Sala Puigdollers
Ophthalmologist
Ophthalmology Service
Joan Giralt
Ophthalmologist
Ophthalmology Service
Published: 26 March 2025
Updated: 26 March 2025
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