Traumatic retinal detachment is primarily caused by what?

Traumatic retinal detachment occurs primarily due to a rupture or break in the retina, which allows fluid to accumulate between the retina and the underlying retinal epithelium. This process is often initiated by some form of trauma to the eye, such as a blow or injury, which leads to the formation of a retinal break. Once a break occurs, the vitreous (the gel-like substance inside the eye) can pull away from the retina, causing fluid to seep through the break, leading to detachment.

In contrast, the other factors mentioned do not directly cause detachment due to trauma. Abnormal blood vessel growth typically refers to conditions like proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and while chronic retinal thinning is associated with aging or degenerative conditions, it is not a direct result of trauma. Invasive tumor growth can lead to complications such as retinal detachment, but it does not directly result from an acute traumatic incident. Therefore, trauma resulting in a retinal break is the primary cause of traumatic retinal detachment.