The translucent fluid that makes up your eye’s vitreous detachment is present throughout. The vitreous maintains the form of your eye. This is not a concern because we can still see pretty well without the vitreous connected to the retina. When the vitreous gets too soft, it loses its shape, turns away from the retina, and contracts inward toward the center of the eye. PVD happens frequently and naturally. You won’t lose your vision; most of the time, no treatment is necessary.
Causes of PVD?
The main factor for PVD is aging. The vitreous has a harder time keeping on its original shape as you age. The vitreous gel decreases and becomes more liquid-like in consistency, but the distance between your lens and retina remains the same.
Most people get PVD after the age of 60, while it can occur younger. Less likely to occur in those under the age of 40.
Typically, PVD affects both eyes. If you have a vitreous left eye, you could also develop a detachment in your right eye.
Risk factors for early PVD include:
- cataracts
- eye surgeries
- diabetes
- An eye injury.
- nearsightedness
The symptoms of PVD?
Despite the possibility of additional symptoms, PVD does not result in pain or irreversible vision loss. They include are:
- Flashes. These brief bursts of light resemble the “stars” you experience after hitting your head. When detachment is complete, they typically come to an end or stop happening altogether. They may be short or long.
- Floaters. These moving things in your field of vision may look like tiny particles, dust, spots, or dark, cobweb-like items. During the first few weeks of PVD, the best approach to finding them is to look at a light surface, such as the sky or a white wall.
- Cobweb effect. As the vitreous separates from the retina, you could start to notice its outside. You can feel like you’re searching through cobwebs. This only lasts until detachment is complete, at which point it vanishes.
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