14413 Posterior Vitreous Detachment

Overview

Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) is a common eye condition that happens as you age. The vitreous is a clear gel that fills the inside of your eye. Over time, this gel shrinks and separates from the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. This separation is called posterior vitreous detachment. It is not the same as retinal detachment, though it can sometimes lead to one.

Yes, it is very common. More than half of people over age 50 have some degree of PVD.

It mostly affects people over 50, but it can occur earlier, especially if you are short-sighted or have had an eye injury.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sudden appearance of small dark spots or lines (floaters) that drift across your vision.
• Flashes of light, often at the edge of your vision.
• A sense of a curtain or shadow moving across your vision (this can be a sign of a retinal tear or detachment and needs urgent care).

Symptoms in children

• PVD is rare in children. If a child has floaters or flashes, they should see a doctor or eye specialist promptly, as it may be due to an injury or another condition.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may notice a gradual increase in floaters or occasional flashes. Vision itself is usually unaffected unless there is a complication.

Causes

Main causes

• The vitreous gel in your eye shrinks and separates from the retina over time.
• As the gel pulls away, it may cause tiny tears in the retina, which are usually harmless but can sometimes lead to retinal detachment.

Risk factors

• Age (most common after age 50).
• Being short-sighted (myopia).
• Having an eye injury or inflammation.
• Having had cataract surgery.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you suddenly see floaters or flashes, especially if they increase in number.
• If you have a dark shadow or curtain that affects your vision.
• If you have any sudden change in vision, such as a blurry spot or loss of side vision.

Book a routine appointment if:

• During regular eye exams, tell your eye doctor about any floaters or flashes you've noticed.

Diagnosis

An eye doctor (optometrist or ophthalmologist) will examine your eyes. They will use special drops to widen (dilate) your pupils so they can see the retina clearly.

Tests that may be done

• A dilated eye exam using a light and magnifying lens.
• Sometimes an ultrasound of the eye if the doctor cannot see the retina clearly.

What to expect at your appointment

The examination is painless. The drops may cause blurry vision and sensitivity to light for a few hours, so you may want someone to drive you home.

Treatment

In most cases, posterior vitreous detachment does not need treatment. The symptoms usually improve on their own. If there is a retinal tear or detachment, you will need medical care to protect your vision.

Self-care at home

• Keep your eye appointments and follow any advice from your eye doctor.
• Try to ignore floaters; they become less noticeable over time.
• If you see a new burst of flashes or a shadow, seek medical help right away.

Medical treatments

If a retinal tear is found, your doctor may recommend laser treatment or a freezing procedure (cryotherapy) to seal the tear. If a retinal detachment has occurred, surgery may be needed to reattach the retina. These are general treatment approaches; your eye specialist will explain what is right for you.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is only needed if posterior vitreous detachment leads to a retinal tear that threatens your vision, or if a retinal detachment develops.

Living with this condition

Most people with PVD live normally. You may see floaters in bright light or when looking at a plain background. Over time, they usually become less noticeable.

Lifestyle tips

• Wear sunglasses to reduce glare, which can make floaters more visible.
• If your symptoms change or worsen, contact an eye care professional.

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet and staying active supports overall eye health, but they cannot prevent or cure PVD. Keep any eye conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, well managed.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Floaters and flashes can be worrying. It is normal to feel anxious at first. Most people adapt and their symptoms become part of their daily life. If you feel anxious or depressed, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.

Prevention

No, posterior vitreous detachment is a natural part of aging and cannot be prevented. However, you can take care of your eyes by having regular eye exams and protecting your eyes from injury.

Complications

If left untreated

• If a retinal tear is left untreated, it can develop into a retinal detachment, which can cause permanent vision loss.
• If the vitreous pulls on a blood vessel, it can cause bleeding in the eye (vitreous hemorrhage).

Long-term outlook

The outlook is very good. Most people with posterior vitreous detachment do not have serious problems. Even if you have floaters and flashes, they typically improve with time. Only a small number of people develop a retinal tear or detachment, and these are treatable if caught early.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.