Treatments for Posterior Vitreous Detachment

Posterior vitreous detachment, also known as vitreous detachment, is an age-related condition wherein the vitreous fluid of the eye, a jelly-like substance that helps keep the eye shape round, becomes more liquid-like. Inside the vitreous fluid are microscopic fibers attached to the retina; as fluid shrinks, these fibers pull on the retina and eventually detach themselves. The only method of treatment is careful observation to ensure that a retinal tear or detachment does not occur.

Symptoms

• The primary symptom of posterior vitreous detachment is eye floaters, the stringy remnants of shrunken vitreous fluid that interfer with the field of vision. Floaters appear as light shadows or outlines that quickly move when an attempt to look at them is made. If you already suffer from floaters, a sudden increase in their number may be indicative of vitreous detachment. This may be accompanied by brief, lightning-like flashes of light out of the periphery (corner) of the eye.

Treatment

• Given its age-related nature, treatment is relegated to careful observation to prevent the condition from developing into retinal detachment. Floaters become easily tolerated over time and eventually sink to the bottom of the field of vision. Your brain simply learns to live with them, and they often only become a nuisance in bright light.

  Posterior vitreous detachment is a relatively common and harmless condition, affecting close to 75 percent of those above the age of 75.

Complications

• Vitreous may detach or tear if they pull too strongly on the retina, leading to serious complications. Consult a doctor immediately if the basic symptoms of posterior vitreous detachment become severe, or if it looks like a "curtain" is coming down over your eyes, as this could be a sign of retinal detachment. Surgery is the only treatment for these complications.