Traumatic detachments are more common in young persons, and myopic detachment occurs most commonly in persons aged 25-45 years. Incidence of retinal detachment is relatively frequent in people of Jewish ethnicity and relatively low in black persons. As the population ages, RDs are becoming more common. Retinal detachment usually occurs in persons aged 40-70 years. Over time, the patient may report a shadow in the peripheral visual field, which, if ignored, may spread rapidly to involve the entire visual field in a matter of days.
Retinal tissue is stimulated by light but also responds to mechanical disturbances.
Flashing lights usually are caused by separation of the posterior vitreous. As the vitreous gel separates from the retina, it stimulates the retinal tissue mechanically, resulting in the release of phosphenes and the sensation of light. Pathologic stimulation of the retina and production of phosphenes cause photopsia. If a RD involves the macula, acuity is severely reduced. The location of the light sensation in the patient's visual field has no correlation to the location of a retinal tear.