vitreous detachment

Epidemiology

• common condition that usually affects people over age 50
• very common after age 80
• people who are nearsighted are at increased risk
• vitreous detachment in one eye increases likelihood of detachment in other eye, although it may not happen until years later

Pathology

• with aging, the vitreous slowly shrinks, & fibers within the vitreous attached to the retina pull on the retinal surface
• generally the fibers break, allowing the vitreous to separate & shrink from the retina
• in most cases, vision is not threatened
• fibrous strands can cast tiny shadows on the retina

Clinical manifestations

• most cases are asymptomatic
• floaters
• flashes of light (lightning streaks) in peripheral vision
• metamorphopsia

Complications

• macular hole
• retinal detachment

Management

• in most cases, a vitreous detachment does not threaten vision & requires no treatment

More general terms

• retinal disease

More specific terms

• pilocar (PVD)
• posterior vitreous detachment (PVD)

Additional terms

• retinal pigment epithelium detachment (retinal detachment)
• vitreous humor (vitreous, vitreous gel, V)