Posterior vitreous detachment

Vitreous detachment occurs when the vitreous gel in the eye pulls away (detaches) from the retina at the back of the eye.

Vitreous gel is a thick fluid behind the lens of the eye. The gel helps the eye keep its shape. The gel is clear, so light passes through it to the retina. The retina is the nerve layer at the back of the eye that sends images to your brain.

The gel has fiber-like tissue that attaches to the retina. As you age, the vitreous gel can shrink and pull away from the retina. The fibers attached to the retina break. This is called vitreous detachment, or posterior vitreous detachment. It's common in older people. Being nearsighted also increases the chance of having it.

The main symptoms of PVD are floaters and flashes of light. Having floaters or flashes does not always mean that you are about to have a retinal detachment, but it is important to tell your doctor about these symptoms right away. A sudden change in these symptoms could be a warning sign of a retinal tear or detachment.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have vision changes.
• You see new flashes of light.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• You see new or worse floaters.
• You do not get better as expected.