Posterior Vitreous Detachment

What Is Posterior Vitreous Detachment?

The vitreous is a gel-like substance that fills the back of the eye and is normally attached to the retinal surface. With age — typically beginning in the 50s and 60s — the vitreous gradually liquefies and collapses, eventually separating from the retina. This separation is called a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD).

Symptoms

• Sudden onset of new floaters (often described as a cobweb, ring, or cluster of dots)
• Flashes of light, especially in peripheral vision
• Symptoms are typically most noticeable at the time of separation and often improve over weeks to months

Is PVD Dangerous?

In most cases, PVD is a normal aging process and does not cause permanent vision loss. However, because the vitreous is attached to the retina in certain areas, the pulling force during separation can occasionally cause a retinal tear — which, if untreated, can progress to retinal detachment.

What Happens at Your Visit?

We perform a thorough dilated examination of the peripheral retina using specialized lenses to look for any tears, holes, or areas of retinal weakness. If everything looks intact, most patients can be reassured and monitored. If a tear is found, treatment can typically be performed at the same visit.