Vitreous fluid, the gel-like material that fills the eyeball, is attached to the retina around the back of the eye. If the vitreous changes shape, it may pull away a piece of the retina with it, leaving a tear. Once there is a tear, vitreous fluid can seep between the retina and the back wall of the eye, causing the retina to pull away or detach.

Find out more about retinal tears and detachments