Among all the types of retinal detachments, the most common are rhegmatogenous detachments, as defined by the presence of a break in the retina. This is the predominant factor in their mechanism. For this reason, treatment is exclusively surgical and consists of sealing the retinal holes by adhesion. The main cause is modification of the vitreous fluid due to age. Presently, surgery obtains good functional results if undertaken rapidly: retinal detachment is an emergency. An essential factor in prophylaxy is information of patients and physicians.