Retinal detachment (RD) is the separation of the neurosensory retina from the underlying retinal pigment epithelium. Studies of the incidence of RD give estimates ranging from 6.3 to 17.9 cases per 100.000 person-years. We hypothesize that the Valsalva manoeuvre performed during lifting might increase the risk of RD. However, little is known about the changes in intraocular pressure during lifting. Experimental studies should be carried out to study the dose–response relationship between the lifted weight and the increase in intraocular pressure, also taking into account personal factors (e.g. gender, body shape) and working conditions (e.g. frequency of lifting, posture). There is also no firm epidemiological evidence about the exposure–response relationship between lifting tasks and the risk of RD. Future studies should investigate the time window between the exposure and occurrence of the disease. Finally, retinal diseases and their risk factors should be added to the criteria for the evaluation of fitness to work for jobs involving manual material handling.