Posterior Vitreous Detachment

DR MARINA SYRIMI EYE CLINIC

Posterior Vitreous Detachment

Floaters - Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)

What is Posterior Vitreous Detachment?

Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) is the separation of the vitreous from the retina. It is commonly experienced in people over 50, although younger people may experience it too. In the majority of the cases PVD is harmless (90%) but it 10% of the cases it can be accompanied by retinal tear or retinal detachment.


Most people will develop PVD as part of the aging of the vitreous gel. Some people are at higher risk of developing PVD. These include:

  • High Myopia
  • Diabetes
  • Previous ocular surgery like cataract surgery
  • Trauma to the globe

What are floaters?

Floaters are the most common presentation of posterior vitreous detachment. These are spider web like appearances that follow the direction of gaze. Floaters often continue to travel even when the eyes stop moving. Floaters are more obvious on white or bright surfaces.

In PVD, floaters appear secondary to changes in the composition of vitreous gel which lies in front of the retina. In 90% of the cases do not have vision threatening complications. Therefore they do not require treatment.

What causes flashes of light?

Flashes of light is another common symptom in posterior vitreous detachment. They occur when the vitreous, which lies in front of the retina, pulls on the retina producing white/yellow light.

How will my ophthalmologist examine my floaters?

Your ophthalmologist will examine your visual acuity and the ocular pressure first. Then dilating drops will be instilled and you will have to wait few minutes for dilation to be achieved. When dilation is achieved the retina will be examined in detail. A special contact lens may be used to complete the examination.

How are floaters managed?

Flashes of light and floaters usually get better over a period of time and they do not usually require any treatment. Very occasionally a retinal tear may be identified which requires urgent laser to prevent the development of retinal detachment. Should retinal detachment develops, it will require surgical treatment.

It is important to consult the ophthalmologist for examination in the presence of:

  • Increase in floaters – lots of little floaters
  • Increase in flashes of light
  • Fixed shadow in the vision
  • Loss of vision
CONTACT US

DR MARINA SYRIMI EYE CLINIC

25-552215

DR MARINA SYRIMI EYE CLINIC

KIrzis Centre, 44-50 Emmanuil Roidi,

Block A, Office A35

Limassol 3031

tel. 25 552215

marinasyrimi@doctors.org.uk

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