Posterior Vitreous Detachment

Question 1

what is posterior vitreous detachment?

Answer 1

separation of the vitreous membrane from the retina

Question 2

what is the cause of posterior vitreous detachment?

Answer 2

due to natural changes to the vitreous fluid of the eye with ageing

Question 3

what are the complications of posterior vitreous detachment?

Answer 3

• retinal tear
• retinal detachment

Question 4

what is the epidemiology of posterior vitreous detachment?

Answer 4

• > 75% of people over 65
• females

Question 5

what are the risk factors for posterior vitreous detachment?

Answer 5

• age
• highly myopic (near-sighted)

Question 6

what are the symptoms of posterior vitreous detachment?

Answer 6

• sudden appearance of floaters
• flashes of light in vision
• blurred vision
• cobwed across vision
• no pain or loss of vision

Question 7

what are the clinical signs of posterior vitreous detachment?

Answer 7

weiss ring on ophthalmoscopy (detachement of the vitreous membrane around the optic nerve to form a ring-shaped floater)

Question 8

what investigations should be done in posterior vitreous detachment?

Answer 8

examined by an ophthalmologist within 24 hours to rule out retinal tears or detachment

Question 9

what is the managment of posterior vitreous detachment?

Answer 9

• symptoms gradually improve over a period of around 6 months
• no treatment