Description The vitreous gel fi...
Description
The vitreous gel fills the eye behind the lens. The retina is the "film" of the eye that detects light and is located in the back of the globe of the eye. The vitreous gel can liquefy and shrink pulling away from the retina. The vitreous gel separating from the retina is called a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). PVD is more common as one ages and with extreme nearsightedness. In general PVD does not cause a decrease in vision unless blood enters the vitreous gel (posterior vitreous hemorrhage). A small percentage of patients (3%-7%) with PVD can go on to develop a retinal detachment because the vitreous pulling away from the retina creates suction that pulls the retina away from the back of the eye where it belongs. Retinal detachment is an emergency condition that can cause permanent loss of vision if it is not treated immediately.
Symptoms
Flashes of light, floaters (spots or strings in the field of vision), a ring of floaters on the outer side of your field of vision.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. The eye may be dilated to look at the retina with an ophthalmoscope. An ophthalmologist may do a special exam with a gonioscope lens. An ultrasound of the eye may be performed.
Specialists:
Ophthalmology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. The eye may be dilated to look at the retina with an ophthalmoscope. An ophthalmologist may do a special exam with a gonioscope lens. An ultrasound of the eye may be performed.
Specialists:
Ophthalmology
Treatment
Treatment is usually not necessary if there is no associated retinal tear or detachment. If PVD is associated with a posterior vitreous hemorrhage the surgeon may observe the situation or elect to remove the blood.