This is a serious eye problem that may occur at any age without apparent cause. However, it most frequently appears in middle-aged and older individuals. A hard solid blow in to the eye may detach the retina as well. Most retinal detachments are caused by the presence of one or more small holes or tears in the retina.

Normal aging can sometimes cause the retina to thin and detoriorate and sometimes tear. More often, shrinkage of the vitreous body, the clear gel-like substance which fills the center of the eye, is responsible for retinal tears.