Which of the following is listed as a cause of retinal detachment?

• A. Cataract
• B. Myopia
• C. Systemic hypertension
• D. Glaucoma

Answer: (C)

Retinal detachment can arise from several mechanisms: a break in the retina allowing fluid to seep underneath (rhegmatogenous), pulling forces from scar tissue (tractional), or fluid accumulation under the retina from inflammation or choroidal disease (exudative). Systemic hypertension can contribute to an exudative retinal detachment through hypertensive choroidopathy, where choroidal vascular leakage and disruption of the outer blood-retinal barrier lead to subretinal fluid accumulation. That connection makes systemic hypertension a recognized listed cause.

Cataract isn’t related to retinal detachment. Myopia increases the risk of a rhegmatogenous detachment because of peripheral retinal thinning and lattice degeneration, but it’s a risk factor rather than a direct listed cause. Glaucoma affects the optic nerve and intraocular pressure dynamics, not detachment.