[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [General pathology](https://durgical.com/en/general-pathology/) › [Eye](https://durgical.com/en/general-pathology/areas/eye/) › Retinal detachment

# Retinal detachment

- Lesion

Retinal detachment is the neural retina peeling off its pigment layer; without blood supply from below, photoreceptors die unless it is repaired fast.

Updated Nov 12, 2026

## Key points

- Rhegmatogenous: a tear from vitreous traction, usually after posterior vitreous detachment; risk with high myopia, cataract surgery, trauma and lattice degeneration.
- Tractional: fibrovascular membranes in proliferative diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and trauma.
- Exudative (serous): fluid from choroidal tumours, severe hypertension, preeclampsia, inflammation (Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada).
- Symptoms: flashes, a shower of floaters and a curtain over the field.
- After detachment, outer segments of photoreceptors degenerate and the retina can develop cysts and scarring (proliferative vitreoretinopathy).

## What it is

The neural retina lies against the retinal pigment epithelium without a firm attachment; the space between them is a potential one. Detachment occurs when fluid enters this space through a retinal tear (rhegmatogenous), when scar tissue pulls the retina away (tractional) or when fluid leaks from vessels under an intact retina (exudative). Photoreceptors depend on the choroid and pigment epithelium, so detached retina degenerates within days and the macula determines the outcome.

## Step by step

- With age the vitreous liquefies and separates from the retina.
- Where it is firmly attached, it pulls and tears the retina.
- Liquid vitreous passes through the tear into the subretinal space.
- The neural retina separates from the pigment epithelium and choroidal supply.
- Photoreceptor outer segments degenerate; if the macula detaches, central vision falls.

## Types of retinal detachment

| Type | Mechanism | Typical setting |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [Rhegmatogenous](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/retinal-detachment/) | Liquid vitreous passes through a retinal break | Myopia, posterior vitreous detachment, after cataract surgery |
| [Tractional](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/diabetic-retinopathy/) | Contracting membranes pull the retina | Proliferative diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity |
| Exudative | Fluid leaks under intact retina | Choroidal melanoma, malignant hypertension, inflammation |

## Clinical notes

- New flashes and floaters call for a dilated retinal examination the same day or very soon.
- Surgery reattaches the retina; outcome is best if the macula is still attached.

## Memory aid

Tear, tug or leak: a hole lets fluid in, a scar tugs the retina off, or vessels leak under it.

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## What is a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment?

A detachment caused by fluid from the vitreous passing through a retinal tear or hole into the subretinal space.

## Which disease commonly causes tractional detachment?

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy, through contracting fibrovascular membranes.

## Why do photoreceptors degenerate when the retina detaches?

They depend on the choroid and retinal pigment epithelium for oxygen, nutrients and renewal of outer segments.

[Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/general-pathology/retinal-detachment/)

[More Pathology questions →](https://durgical.com/en/practice/?f=pathology)

## Elsewhere in DurgiPedia

- [Retinal detachment: how fast to refer](https://durgical.com/en/ophthalmology/retinal-detachment-how-fast-to-refer/)
- [Floaters and flashes](https://durgical.com/en/ophthalmology/floaters-and-flashes/)
- [Retina: the ten layers, rods and cones](https://durgical.com/en/histology/retina-the-ten-layers-rods-and-cones/)

## Connections

## Related 4

- [Diabetic and hypertensive retinopathy](https://durgical.com/en/general-pathology/diabetic-and-hypertensive-retinopathy/)
- [Other retinal vascular disease: ROP and occlusions](https://durgical.com/en/general-pathology/other-retinal-vascular-disease-rop-and-occlusions/)
- [Intraocular tumours: uveal melanoma and retinoblastoma](https://durgical.com/en/general-pathology/intraocular-tumours-uveal-melanoma-and-retinoblastoma/)
- [Intraocular inflammation: uveitis and endophthalmitis](https://durgical.com/en/general-pathology/intraocular-inflammation-uveitis-and-endophthalmitis/)

## Related conditions 6

- [Retinal detachment](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/retinal-detachment/)
- [Posterior vitreous detachment](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/posterior-vitreous-detachment/)
- [Diabetic retinopathy](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/diabetic-retinopathy/)
- [Retinopathy of prematurity](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/retinopathy-of-prematurity/)
- [Refractive errors and presbyopia](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/refractive-errors-and-presbyopia/)
- [Vitreous haemorrhage](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/vitreous-haemorrhage/)

[← All of general pathology](https://durgical.com/en/general-pathology/)

Educational content on the mechanisms of disease; not a diagnostic or treatment guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.

Sources: [Retinal Detachment | Retina | MedlinePlus](https://medlineplus.gov/retinaldetachment.html) (MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine, 2026).

## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake

Representative model, for educational purposes only.

---
Source: https://durgical.com/en/general-pathology/retinal-detachment/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/general-pathology/retinal-detachment/