Risk Factors for Retinal Detachment: A Case-Control Study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors for retinal detachment or tear (RD/T), and follow up two studies that found increased risk from work-related heavy lifting.
Methods: We conducted a case-control study including 200 cases of RD/T and 415 controls. Participants completed a questionnaire covering general health, vision, and physical exertion. Multiple logistic regression and propensity score matching was used to control confounding and estimate independent effects.
Results: RD/T risk was increased by one lifting measure: current regular lifting of more than 30 lbs (>13.6 kg). In the population aged less than 65 years, the odds ratio comparing those with/without heavy lifting was 1.81, 95% confidence interval = 1.08 to 3.04.
Conclusion: Occupational heavy lifting may represent a risk factor for RD/T, but further research is needed in populations with frequent heavy physical exertion to more precisely quantify the risk.