What is the most common cause of retinal detachment?

The most common cause of retinal detachment is aging. As individuals age, the vitreous gel within the eye begins to shrink and may tug on the retina, causing it to become detached. This age-related change is known as posterior vitreous detachment and is frequently linked to retinal tears, which can ultimately lead to retinal detachment.

While trauma can certainly lead to retinal detachment, it is not as prevalent as the age-related changes that occur in the eye. Similarly, conditions like glaucoma and inflammation generally affect the eye in different ways and are not leading causes of retinal detachment. Thus, aging stands out as the primary factor behind the majority of retinal detachment cases, making it an important aspect to consider in ocular health.