Tractional Retinal Detachment

Definition

Retinal detachment is, by definition, a condition in which subretinal fluid accumulates in the space between the neurosensory retina and the underlying retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), causing the separation of the two layers. There are different types of retinal detachment, depending on the mechanism of subretinal fluid accumulation. Tractional retinal detachment (TRD) is the second most common type after rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). A tractional retinal detachment occurs when scar tissue or other abnormal tissue grows, pulling the retina away from the layer beneath. Sometimes retinal tears can develop as a consequence of the mechanical traction on the retina, but they do not represent the leading cause for the detachment.

Etiology

The retinal surface can be considered a scaffold for abnormal tissue growth into the vitreous cavity in different pathological conditions. The strict connection existing between the inner retina and the abnormal intravitreal tissue,...