Pathology and pathogenesis of retinal detachment

Retinal detachment, separation of the neurosensory retina from the underlying retinal pigment epithelium, is a sight threatening condition that is considered one of the few ocular emergencies. The literature is enormously rich in studies that focused on different aspects of this disease process. Yet certain aspects remain largely unanswered. We briefly review major aspects of retinal detachment and discuss various important contributions in this field, focussing mainly on the pathogenesis of and predisposing factors to retinal detachment, and on the pathologic changes that occur following its development and following various surgical procedures currently used in its management.