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.