Retinal detachment is a detachment of the retina proper from the underlying pigmented choroid, and occurs in a number of settings:

• tractional: inflammatory or post-traumatic fibrous bands in the vitreous; also seen in sickle cell disease.
• exudative: fluid accumulating in the subretinal space secondary to hypertension, central retinal venous occlusion, vasculitis, papilledema or tumor.
• postoperative: vitreous fluid accumulates in the subretinal space via a hole in the retina (rhegmatogenous RD)
• rhegmatogenous: (from rhegma meaning a fissure or fracture) can also be seen in ocular trauma