Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)

Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)

Posterior Vitreous Detachment

The eye is filled with a vitreous substance just as air fills a room. Part of the vitreous is a liquid like water. The other part is a gel, like a sticky Jell-O. The vitreous is attached to the retina. As we age the vitreous shrinks in size and eventually pulls away from the retina. Sometimes while the vitreous is pulling away it causes flashes of light and floaters. This is a common occurrence and is called a vitreous detachment.

Most Often Symptoms Develop After the Age of 60 

  • Floaters – blurry shadows that obscure the vision. Some floaters in vision are normal, however, if you see a sudden increase in floaters this could be the first symptom of PVD. You should call our office if you experience a sudden change in your vision. 
Floater — Tupelo, MS — Tupelo Eye Center
  • Flashes (Photopsias) –  streaks of light, usually in side vision that may be more noticeable in darker environments.

Seeing an occasional flash in one eye is common, especially at night. Likewise, it is common to notice a floating shadow in the vision of one eye. However, a series of bright flashes of light that people describe as a lightning storm followed by the onset of new heavy black floaters can be the sign of the development of a hole in the retina leading to a retinal detachment. If these symptoms occur, you should have a dilated retinal exam, specifically looking for tears or holes in the retina since the holes or tears can lead to a retinal detachment.

Retinal Detachment

Unfortunately, when a vitreous detachment occurs, it can cause traction at the vitreous base on the retina. If the retina tears forming a hole, then the retina can detach. A retina detachment can lead to permanent visual loss and needs to be surgically repaired.

 

The symptoms of a vitreous and retinal detachment can be similar, so those symptoms need to be checked out. The symptoms are seeing bright flashing lights in one eye followed by many heavy new dark floaters. These symptoms can be from a vitreous detachment or a retinal hole. If these symptoms are experienced, you should be seen within 24 hours.

 

If a retinal detachment occurs, you may experience very blurred vision or a curtain coming over part of your vision. You will need to call the office immediately if these symptoms occur.

Detached Retina — Tupelo, MS — Tupelo Eye Center
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