Which type of retinal detachment is caused by PVD?

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment is the type of retinal detachment that occurs due to the presence of a tear or break in the retina, which allows fluid from beneath the retina to seep in, leading to the detachment. This condition is often associated with Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD), where the vitreous gel separates from the retina. PVD can cause vitreous traction and, in some cases, result in a retinal tear if the tugging on the retina is significant.

In rhegmatogenous detachment, the initial break is crucial as it is the point where fluid enters the subretinal space, causing the retina to detach from the underlying retinal pigment epithelium. This type of detachment is more common in individuals who are experiencing age-related changes, where PVD is frequently observed.

Understanding the pathophysiology of retinal detachment types clarifies how PVD contributes specifically to rhegmatogenous detachment, distinguishing it from other forms that have different causes, such as tractional detachment, which is caused by fibrous tissue pulling on the retina, or other rare types.