What is a posterior vitreous detachment?
The vitreous is a gel like substance which is located behind the lens at the back of the eye. It is attached to the retina or wall paper of the back of the eye. Over time, with increasing age, the vitreous changes consistency and comes away from the retina and floats in the back of the eye, that is, the vitreous has detached. Â
It isn’t dangerous on its own and usually doesn’t require any treatment. However, it can sometimes lead to more sight-threatening conditions which need urgent intervention.
At Coastal Eye Surgeons, we assess and diagnose posterior vitreous detachment and provide immediate intervention when needed.
What are the symptoms?
Posterior vitreous detachment is characterised by flashes and floaters in your vision. These aren’t painful and usually go away within a couple of weeks.
Flashes
Flashes may appear as bright streaks of light, usually at the side of your vision. It may feel like a camera suddenly flashed in the corner of your eye, or may appear as an arc travelling across your field of vision (like a shooting star).
Floaters
Floaters are small shadows which drift across your field of vision. They may look like strings, cobwebs, a veil, or fly or mosquito. They are commonly seen first thing in the morning and are more noticeable when looking at white or light colored walls.Â
However, floaters and flashes can indicate a number of more dangerous conditions, such as retinal tear and or detachment. As a result, it’s always important to see either an Ophthalmologist or Optometrist.
Healthy vision versus PVD-affected vision.
When does a posterior vitreous detachment become an eye emergency ?
As the vitreous shrinks naturally with age and becomes unattached. Usually this occurs without any problem. Â
Occasionally, as the vitreous comes away from the retina (lining of the eye), it can cause a tear in the retina, which can lead to fluid getting in behind the retina and slowly pulling it off, or detaching the retina. This can cause loss of visual field initially and loss of vision ultimately. This is an ocular emergency which needs surgery to treat it.
For more information, see Retinal detachment.
How is PVD diagnosed?
Posterior vitreous detachment can be seen by an Optometrist or your Ophthalmologist at Coastal Eye Surgeons. The vitreous detachment is visible upon a dilated examination of your eye.Â
More importantly, a retinal tear and or retinal detachment can also been seen during this examination.
Treating PVD
Most of the time, posterior vitreous detachment doesn’t require treatment. It is a natural change that comes with age, and symptoms subside in a couple of weeks without consequence.Â
If the floater is particularly dense and if it impedes your vision, it can be surgically removed if required.
Opthalmologist Dr Louise Robinson