ADVICE ON POSTERIOR VITREOUS DETACHMENT
What is posterior vitreous detachment?
This is quite a common condition, which can affect many people after the onset
of middle age.
The vitreous humour is a gel-like substance, which fills the space at the back of
the eye behind the lens. It is transparent so light rays can pass through, as it
lies in front of the retina which is the light sensitive layer covering the back of
the eye.
The gel-like substance can change with age and it may start to shrink. This can
cause the outer part to peel away from the retina.
What are the symptoms?
You may notice black ‘floaters’ in your vision, which move with the eye and then
settle as the eye rests.
This can be due to clumps or filaments within the vitreous humour, casting a
shadow on the retina.
You may also be aware of flashing lights, like little flickers around the edge of
your vision.
To look at, the eye will appear normal.
Information for patients
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What happens next?
Posterior vitreous detachment is harmless and does not require any treatment.
The flashing lights should gradually settle down over the next few days or
weeks.
The floaters become less obvious as months go by, but usually the occasional
floater remains.
Very occasionally, the vitreous humour, as it degenerates can cause a hole in
the retina.
This is more serious and can cause a bleed or a retinal detachment.
What are warning signs of retinal detachment?
•
•
•
A sudden increase in the number of floaters in your vision.
Changing pattern of flashing lights.
A black persistent, shadow at the edge of the vision in one eye
If any of the above happens you should seek immediate advice
and to contact the ophthalmic emergency service.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact:
The Ophthalmic (Eye) Department
Kettering General Hospital NHS Trust
Rothwell Road
Kettering NN16 8UZ
Telephone:
01536 492105 or 01536 492153
Author : D Rathore, SHO Ophthalmology
PIC approved: December2006
Ref: 10.PI.0192 Posterior vitreous detachment
Date: November 2006
Next review: December 2008
Point of issue: OPD
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