Ophthalmology - Posterior Vitreous Detachment Flashcards
What is posterior vitreous detachment?
When the vitreous body comes away from the retina
Common in older age
What is the vitreous humour?
The gel inside the vitreous chamber of the eye
Maintains the structure of the eye and keeps retina pressed on the choroid
How does the vitreous humour change with age?
It becomes less firm and able to maintain its shape.
How does PVD present?
Can be completely asymptomatic
* Floaters
* Flashing lights
* Blurred vision
* Painless
Is treatment necessary for posterior vitreous detachment?
No treatment is necessary
Over time symptoms imrpove as brain adjusts
What complications can arise from posterior vitreous detachment?
Predisposes patients to
- Develop retinal tears
- Retinal detachment
Can both present similarly and so must be excluded with a thorough assessment of the retina by optometrist or ophthalmologist
