[Mechanical factors contributing to the cause of retinal detachment (author's transl)]

There is no doubt that besides the anatomical changes in vitreous and retinal structures mechanical factors are involved in producing retinal detachment. Especially vertical accelerations can produce fast movements of the vitreous, which also can induce the retina. To investigate the effect of various external movements upon the eye a number of experiments were made: 31 variations of movements with and without different vehicles at different speeds have been investigated. As direct measurements of acceleration of the eye are not possible at present, the upper verges of the orbitae were chosen as measuring point. Additionally accelerations were measured nearest to the place of the entrance of vibration to the body in order to examine the transmissibility of vibration to the orbita. The transduced signal of the accelerometer was recorded on a tape. When measuring in vehicles or riding, radiotelemetry of the signal was used. The statistical analysis of the results was performed. Typical frequencies were found in which the amplitude of the induced acceleration even is enlargen on its way through the body to the orbita. The significance of the different results for producing dangerous mechanical stress to the eye is discussed.