Which form of retinal detachment is associated with traction from proliferative diabetic retinopathy?

Which form of retinal detachment is associated with traction from proliferative diabetic retinopathy?

• A. Rhegmatogenous detachment
• B. Exudative detachment
• C. Tractional detachment
• D. Combined detachment

Answer: (C)

Tractional detachment is produced when fibrovascular membranes form on the retina and in the vitreous as a result of proliferative diabetic retinopathy. These membranes contract and pull on the retina, lifting it away from its underlying layer without necessarily a retinal break. That mechanical pulling differentiates it from other types: rhegmatogenous detachment requires a retinal tear that allows vitreous fluid to seep under the retina, exudative detachment results from serous fluid accumulation due to inflammation or neovascular leakage, and a combined detachment involves both traction and a tear. In proliferative diabetic retinopathy, the key feature is the traction from contracting membranes, making this the correct form.

Tractional detachment is produced when fibrovascular membranes form on the retina and in the vitreous as a result of proliferative diabetic retinopathy. These membranes contract and pull on the retina, lifting it away from its underlying layer without necessarily a retinal break. That mechanical pulling differentiates it from other types: rhegmatogenous detachment requires a retinal tear that allows vitreous fluid to seep under the retina, exudative detachment results from serous fluid accumulation due to inflammation or neovascular leakage, and a combined detachment involves both traction and a tear. In proliferative diabetic retinopathy, the key feature is the traction from contracting membranes, making this the correct form.