What is vitreous detachment?
The vitreous is the gel-like liquid that fills the back of the eye. Imagine the eye like a room filled with clear Jell-O: the wallpaper is the retina and the Jell-O is the vitreous. As one ages, the vitreous starts to liquify and pull away from the walls of the eye. This is called a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) and it is a normal part of aging, but it can occur sooner in an eye that has had trauma, surgery, or is nearsighted.
What are the symptoms of a posterior vitreous detachment?
The most common symptoms of a posterior vitreous detachment are flashes and floaters. Most of the time, these symptoms will resolve on their own over the course of a few weeks to a few months. However, some patients who develop a PVD also develop a retinal tear. Unfortunately, the symptoms of a retinal tear are the same as a simple posterior vitreous detachment. Therefore, if a patient develops these symptoms, it is important to promptly have a dilated eye examination by an eye doctor
How is a posterior vitreous detachment treated?
To rule out any retinal tears or retinal detachment, it’s necessary to see an eye doctor who can perform a thorough retinal examination with scleral depression. If any abnormalities are seen, a retina specialist can discuss treatment options.