The inside of your eye — the part of the eye that gives it its round shape — is made up of a mixture of sugars and proteins, collectively known as your vitreous. With age, the consistency of your vitreous changes from jelly-like to watery. When this happens, the vitreous may detach (pull away) from the posterior (back) wall of your eye.
Posterior vitreous detachment naturally occurs in many people over 50, causing the appearance of floaters or visual disturbances that look like sparkling lights. UPMC experts provide expert monitoring and care for people experiencing posterior vitreous detachment.
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What Is Posterior Vitreous Detachment?
The inside of the eye — the part of your eye that gives it its round shape — is made up of a mixture of sugars and proteins, which are collectively known as your vitreous. With age, the consistency of your vitreous changes from jelly-like to watery. When this happens, the vitreous may pull away (detach) from the back (posterior) wall of your eye.
Posterior vitreous detachment naturally occurs in many people over 50, causing the appearance of floaters or visual disturbances that look like sparkling lights.
How common is posterior vitreous detachment?
Posterior vitreous detachment is rare in younger people but becomes increasingly common in people older than 50. It is very common in people over 80.
How serious is posterior vitreous detachment?
In most cases, posterior vitreous detachment does not cause serious complications.
What causes posterior vitreous detachment?
Posterior vitreous detachment happens when the vitreous pulls away from the back of your eye.
Posterior vitreous detachment risk factors
Risk factors for posterior vitreous detachment include:
- Being older than age 50.
- Diabetes.
- Nearsightedness.
- Previous posterior vitreous detachment in one eye.
- Recent eye surgery.
- Trauma to your eye.
Complications of posterior vitreous detachment
For most people, posterior vitreous detachment causes no symptoms or vision loss.
However, in some cases, it can cause complications, including:
- Macular hole.
- Macular pucker.
- Retinal detachment.
- Retinal tear.
How can I prevent posterior vitreous detachment?
You may not be able to prevent all cases of posterior vitreous detachment. However, managing chronic health conditions such as diabetes and reducing your risk of eye trauma may help to prevent posterior vitreous detachment.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Posterior Vitreous Detachment?
In some cases, posterior vitreous detachment doesn’t cause any noticeable symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include:
- A shadow in your field of vision (rare).
- Flashes of light in your peripheral (side) vision.
- Floaters, or tiny grey shadows that move through your field of vision.
When should I see a doctor about my posterior vitreous detachment symptoms?
If you believe that you may be experiencing posterior vitreous detachment, you should schedule an eye exam with your ophthalmologist.
How Do You Diagnose Posterior Vitreous Detachment?
Your ophthalmologist will perform an eye exam and look at the back of your retina when your pupils are dilated. Your ophthalmologist will also examine your retina to rule out small breaks, tears, or damage to blood vessels.
What to expect during your visit
If your doctor suspects posterior vitreous detachment, they will:
- Ask about your symptoms.
- Perform an eye exam by dilating your pupils.
- Review your health history and medications.
Tests to diagnose posterior vitreous detachment
Your ophthalmologist will perform several tests to diagnose posterior vitreous detachment, including:
- Eye exam with dilation.
- Retinal exam.
Posterior vitreous detachment prognosis
After posterior vitreous detachment, floaters will stay in your eye for several months or years before gravity settles them at the bottom of your eye. If symptoms become more noticeable, you should contact your ophthalmologist immediately.
How Do You Treat Posterior Vitreous Detachment?
The goal of posterior vitreous detachment treatment is to reduce the risk of serious complications. In most cases, the only treatment required is monitoring. After your condition is diagnosed, most people will need a second eye exam after about a month.
If your eye doctor determines that your retina is damaged, you will need to seek treatment from a retinal specialist.
Why Choose UPMC for Posterior Vitreous Detachment Care?
When you choose UPMC for posterior vitreous detachment care, you will receive:
- Access to ophthalmology expertise — Our ophthalmology experts treat the full spectrum of conditions using the latest, evidence-based treatment guidelines and strategies.
- A full range of treatment options — We offer general ophthalmology and retinal care that allows us to effectively treat all types of eye disorders while reducing your risk of complications.
- Multidisciplinary care — We partner with retinal specialists, primary care providers, and other medical experts to provide complete care that optimizes your recovery and quality of life.
