Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Guide to Master Your Certification!

The most common cause of retinal detachment is aging. As individuals age, the vitreous gel in their eyes can shrink and pull away from the retina, creating a tear or hole that can lead to detachment. This is a natural part of the aging process, particularly in those over the age of 60, and is often exacerbated by factors such as myopia (nearsightedness) or previous eye surgeries.

Other potential causes of retinal detachment, such as glaucoma, trauma, and inflammation, are less common and typically contribute to retinal issues in specific circumstances or as complications. For example, trauma is an important risk factor but occurs less frequently than age-related changes. Glaucoma is primarily associated with increased intraocular pressure and does not directly cause retinal detachment. Similarly, inflammation can lead to various eye conditions, but is not the primary driver for retinal detachment compared to the age-related degenerative processes.