What are the possible causes of retinal tears?

Retinal traction: Most retinal rears are caused by traction on the retina by the vitreous gel, sometimes in association with weaknesses in the retina related to high eye nearsightedness, retinal injuries, old retinal scarring, etc. As the eye ages, the vitreous gel naturally liquifies and detatches from the retina, a posterior retinal detachment. Residual areas of traction can cause retinal tears/detachment.