The vitreous detachment, a translucent substance that fills your eye, is present throughout. The vitreous maintains the form of your eye. This is not a problem because we can see just fine without the vitreous connected to the retina. The vitreous loses its shape, pulls away from the retina, and constricts inward toward the center of the eye when it becomes overly soft. PVD happens frequently and naturally. You won’t lose your vision, and you usually don’t need to get treatment.
What are the symptoms of PVD?
PVD does not cause pain or permanent vision loss, although it may produce other symptoms. They include are:
- Flashes. These short flashes of light are similar to when you hit your head and start “seeing stars.” They can last a few seconds or minutes, and if detachment is complete, they usually stop or become less common.
- Floaters. These floating objects in your range of vision may appear as minute particles, dust, dots, or shadowy objects resembling cobwebs. The best way to spot them is to look at a light surface, like the sky or a white wall, during the first few weeks of PVD.
- Cobweb effect. As the vitreous separates from the retina, you can start to notice its outside. It may seem as though you are sifting through cobwebs. Once detachment is complete, this is only temporary and disappears.
What are the causes of PVD?
The main factor for PVD is aging. The vitreous has a harder time keeping its original shape as you age. The space between your lens and retina does not change in size when the vitreous gel shrinks and takes on a more liquid-like consistency.
Most people get PVD after the age of 60, while it can occur younger. People under the age of 40 are less likely to experience it.
PVD usually affects both eyes. You can also experience a detachment in your right eye if you have a vitreous detachment in your left eye.
Risk factors for early PVD include:
- cataracts
- eye surgeries
- diabetes
- An eye injury.
- nearsightedness
How to diagnose PVD
Although PVD is common, it’s important to see a doctor if you develop new floaters or flashes. A retinal detachment or PVD may be the cause of these. To diagnose your problem, your doctor might need to perform a diagnostic test.
PVD, a retinal detachment, or another eye condition may be confirmed by a dilated eye exam. Your ophthalmologist or optometrist will put special drops into your eyes during the examination. Your doctor can view the back of your eyes due to these drops since they make your pupils bigger. The entire retina, the macula, and your optic nerve can then be examined by your doctor.
About 30 minutes pass during the examination. The dilatation can last for a few hours until it goes away. After your appointment, you should put on a pair of sunglasses because the sun and bright lights could be uncomfortable.
What is the treatment for PVD?
Usually, PVD doesn’t need to be treated.
Usually, it takes no more than three months to fully detach. After the detachment process is over, if you still experience floaters, talk to your doctor about your treatment options.
If any of the following symptoms start to appear, you could require additional treatment:
- Continued floaters. You could require a vitrectomy if you frequently see floaters or have vision problems. Some or all of the vitreous gel inside the eye is removed during this outpatient treatment.
- Retinal tears. If the fibers of the vitreous pull on the retina too strongly, the underlying tissue may tear in one or more spots. Retinal detachment may happen if fluid gets underneath the retina. If unattended, it may result in eyesight loss. Both a retinal tear and a retinal detachment can be treated surgically.
- Macular spots. These occur when the retina is tightly attached to the vitreous as it pulls away. They result in foggy, distorted eyesight. Macular holes that don’t sometimes close on their own, but surgery can close them.
Wrapping up
Age-related PVD is a common eye disease that typically doesn’t require treatment.
Don’t self-diagnose if you start to develop eye or vision issues. It’s critical to see an eye doctor for a diagnosis and treatment because the symptoms of PVD might resemble those of other dangerous eye conditions.
Make sure to arrange a yearly appointment for a routine eye exam. Regular check-ups enable the early detection and treatment of eye or vision issues.
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