Detached Retina Causes & Risks

Causes

Many factors can cause retinal detachment. These include:

Eye trauma—damage from blunt or penetrating injuries to the eye, which may be caused by:
- Sports-related activities
- Blunt trauma
- Flying objects
- Car accidents
Severe nearsightedness —This causes an unusually elongated eyeball, which can lead to increased risk for retinal detachment.
Cataract surgery —This and many other types of eye surgery can increase the risk of retinal detachment.
Scar tissue in the eye, especially if it contracts
Tumors in the eye
Certain other eye and medical disorders

A risk factor is something that increases your chances of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors for retinal detachment include:

Increasing age—With age, changes occur in the eye that can lead to an increased risk of retinal detachment.
Previous retinal detachment in the same or other eye
Severe nearsightedness
Family members with retinal detachment
Holes or tears in the retina
Trauma