rates of cataract surgery, and decreasing age at cataract surgery, inevitably lead to an increased incidence of retinal detachment. Trauma is a less frequent cause. Activities which can cause direct trauma to the eye (boxing, kickboxing, karate, etc.) may cause a particular type of retinal tear called a retinal dialysis. This type of tear can be detected and treated before it develops into a retinal detachment. For this reason governing bodies in some of these sports require regular eye examination. Individuals prone to retinal detachment due to a high level of myopia are encouraged to avoid activities where there is a risk of shock to the head or eyes, although without direct trauma to the eye the evidence base for this may be unconvincing. Some doctors recommend avoiding activities that suddenly accelerate or decelerate the eye, including bungee jumping and skydiving but with little supporting evidence. Retinal detachment does not occur as a result of eye strain, bending, or heavy lifting. See also Retinoschisis References External links Retinal Detachment Resource Guide from the National Eye Institute (NEI) Overview of retinal detachment from eMedicine Retinal detachment information from WebMD Ophthalmology Medical emergencies