eye care support
Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)
The vitreous is a clear, jelly-like substance that fills the inside of the eye and helps maintain its shape.
It sits directly in front of the retina—the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. As we age, the vitreous becomes more watery and may shrink or collapse slightly. When this happens, it can pull away from the retina.
This natural separation is called a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). PVD is very common, especially in middle age and beyond. In most cases, it is harmless and occurs only once. Once the vitreous has detached, it does not reattach.
Signs and Symptoms
You may notice:
Floaters: These are small spots, threads or cobweb-like shapes drifting across your vision and are more noticeable against bright or plain backgrounds. They are common with age and often harmless.
Flashes: You may experience brief flickers of light, like stars or lightning in the corner of your vision. Flashes are more noticeable in the dark and are caused by the vitreous pulling on the retina during detachment. These may come and go for several months.
These symptoms are typical of PVD, but they can also occur with less common retinal conditions. Your examination today showed no signs of retinal damage.
Diagnosis and Treatment
No treatment is required for a posterior vitreous detachment – floaters usually become less noticeable over time and flashes typically settle within a few weeks.
Your optometrist will monitor your eyes to ensure no complications develop.
It is important to note that although PVD itself is usually harmless, it can occasionally lead to retinal problems. Seek prompt optometric assessment if you notice:
- A sudden increase in floaters
- More frequent or intense flashes
- A shadow, curtain or dark area in your side vision
- These symptoms may indicate a retinal tear or detachment, which requires urgent attention.
