What causes retinal detachment to occur?

Cause of Retinal D.: Most common cause is a hole or tear in the peripheral retina, cuased by the vitreous (jelly inside the eye) shifting and pulling on the retina. The jelly changes from thick jelly to more watery with age and thus shift in the eye cuasing traction and the tear in the eye. These changes are normal in the aging eye, but typically do not tear the retina, leading to a retinal detachement.

Hole in Retina: An rd is usually caused by a hole or tear in the retina or from membranes pulling on the retina. When the retinal layer peels away from the eye wall (like wall paper), it is detached and vision is lost. Symptoms of an rd are painless vision loss, flashing lights, and floaters. You should immediately see an eye md if you have these symptoms.