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 more challenging 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.
Risk factors for early PVD include:
- cataracts
- eye surgeries
- diabetes
- An eye injury.
- nearsightedness
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