Name a major risk factor for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

Name a major risk factor for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

• A. Age-related macular degeneration
• B. Posterior vitreous detachment with lattice degeneration
• C. Open-angle glaucoma
• D. Cataract

Answer: (B)

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment happens when a full-thickness break in the retina allows liquefied vitreous to seep underneath, lifting the retina away from the underlying pigment epithelium. The strongest predisposing scenario is a combination of vitreous detachment with degenerative retinal changes in the periphery. Posterior vitreous detachment increases traction on the retina, and lattice degeneration creates thin, atrophic peripheral retina that is prone to tearing. When these two factors occur together, the likelihood of a retinal tear—and thus detachment—increases significantly, which is why this option is the best answer. Other conditions listed don’t directly create the typical retinal tears that lead to rhegmatogenous detachment. Age-related macular degeneration affects the central retina, not the peripheral retina where tears usually form. Open-angle glaucoma involves optic nerve damage rather than peripheral retinal breaks. Cataract refers to lens opacity; by itself it isn’t a direct precursor to a retinal tear, though in some cases prior eye surgery can modestly raise RD risk later.

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment happens when a full-thickness break in the retina allows liquefied vitreous to seep underneath, lifting the retina away from the underlying pigment epithelium. The strongest predisposing scenario is a combination of vitreous detachment with degenerative retinal changes in the periphery. Posterior vitreous detachment increases traction on the retina, and lattice degeneration creates thin, atrophic peripheral retina that is prone to tearing. When these two factors occur together, the likelihood of a retinal tear—and thus detachment—increases significantly, which is why this option is the best answer.

Other conditions listed don’t directly create the typical retinal tears that lead to rhegmatogenous detachment. Age-related macular degeneration affects the central retina, not the peripheral retina where tears usually form. Open-angle glaucoma involves optic nerve damage rather than peripheral retinal breaks. Cataract refers to lens opacity; by itself it isn’t a direct precursor to a retinal tear, though in some cases prior eye surgery can modestly raise RD risk later.