Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) occurs when the jelly-like vitreous separates from the retina at the back of the eye. It is a common age-related change but can occasionally lead to retinal tears.
Symptoms of PVD
People often notice new floaters, flashes of light or a cobweb-like shadow. Symptoms usually settle over time as the vitreous repositions and the brain adapts to the floaters.
- Most PVDs do not cause permanent vision loss
- Sudden showers of floaters or a curtain in the vision need urgent review
- The other eye often develops a PVD at a later stage
- Retinal examination with dilating drops is used to exclude tears
