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What is Vitreous Detachment?
Most of the eye's interior is filled with vitreous, a gel-like substance that helps the eye maintain a round shape. There are millions of fine fibers intertwined within the vitreous that are attached to the surface of the retina, the eye's light-sensitive tissue. As we age, the vitreous slowly shrinks, and these fine fibers pull on the retinal surface. Usually the fibers break, allowing the vitreous to separate and shrink from the retina. In most cases, a vitreous detachment is not sight-threatening and requires no treatment. As the vitreous shrinks, it becomes somewhat stringy, and the strands can cast tiny shadows on the retina that you may notice as floaters, which appear as little "cobwebs" or specks that seem to float about in your field of vision. If you try to look at these shadows they appear to quickly dart out of the way. Symptoms of Vitreous Detachment? One of the most common symptoms of vitreous detachment is a small but sudden increase in the number of new floaters. This increase in floaters may be accompanied by flashes of light in your peripheral, or side, vision. A vitreous detachment is a common condition that usually affects people over age 50, and is very common after age 80. People who are nearsighted have an increased risk of developing vitreous detachment. People who have a vitreous detachment in one eye are likely to have one in the other. Although a vitreous detachment does not threaten sight, once in a while some of the vitreous fibers pull so hard on the retina that they create a macular hole or lead to a retinal detachment. Macular holes and retinal detachment are sight-threatening and should be treated immediately. If left untreated, a macular hole or detached retina can lead to permanent vision loss in the affected eye. Those who experience a sudden increase in floaters or an increase in flashes of light in peripheral vision should have an eye care professional examine their eyes as soon as possible. The only way to diagnose the cause of the problem is by a comprehensive dilated eye examination. If the vitreous detachment has led to a macular hole or detached retina, early treatment can help prevent loss of vision.
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