### Retinal Detachment: Types and Causes Retinal detachment is a serious condition where the retina, a thin layer of nerve tissue at the back of your eye, pulls away from its normal position. There are three main types of retinal detachment: 1. **Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment** - This is the most common type and occurs slowly over time. It happens when a hole, tear, or break forms in the retina, allowing the vitreous gel (the fluid in the middle of your eye) to leak underneath. This causes the retina to pull away from the layer beneath it, similar to how water separates wallpaper from a wall. This underlying layer is crucial for nourishing the retina and keeping it healthy. 2. **Tractional Retinal Detachment** - This type occurs when scar tissue or other tissue grows on the retina and pulls it away from the layer underneath. It can lead to serious vision loss and is often found in people with diabetes who have severe diabetic retinopathy, which damages the blood vessels in the retina. 3. **Exudative (Serous) Retinal Detachment** - This is a rare type of detachment that happens when fluid collects under the retina without any tears. It can affect both eyes and is often caused by eye injuries or complications from various diseases, including inflammatory and kidney diseases, Lyme disease, eye tumors, and severe high blood pressure. If you experience symptoms like new floaters, spots, flashes of light, weak vision, or a curtain-like shadow in your vision, seek immediate medical attention from a retina specialist.