Vitreous Detachment
What is vitreous detachment?
The vitreous is a gel-like substance that fills the inside of your eye. It has lots of tiny fibers that connect to your retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye.
As you get older, those fibers in your vitreous can start to pull away from the retina. This is called vitreous detachment, and it usually happens after you hit 50. You might not even notice it when it happens, or you could see some symptoms that affect your vision.
If you notice any signs of vitreous detachment, it’s a good idea to check in with your eye care professional.
What are the symptoms of vitreous detachment?
The most common symptom of vitreous detachment is a sudden increase in floaters—those little dark specks or wavy lines that seem to float across your vision. When the vitreous pulls away, it can cast new shadows on your retina, which show up as floaters.
You might also see flashes of light in your peripheral vision.
In some cases, vitreous detachment can lead to more serious eye problems that need immediate attention. The only way to find out if it has caused a serious issue is through a dilated eye exam. So, if you notice any symptoms, it’s really important to visit your eye doctor as soon as you can.
If your vitreous detachment doesn’t lead to any serious issues, you’ll likely find that the symptoms fade away over a few months.
What other problems can vitreous detachment cause?
Sometimes, vitreous detachment can lead to more serious eye conditions, such as:
Retinal tear. Occasionally, the fibers of the vitreous can pull away and create a tear in the retina. If this isn’t treated quickly, it could lead to retinal detachment.
Retinal detachment. In some cases, vitreous detachment can cause the entire retina to separate from its normal position at the back of the eye. This is considered a medical emergency. Learn more about retinal detachment.
Macular hole. Sometimes, vitreous detachment can create a hole in the macula, which is the part of the retina responsible for your central vision. This can happen either before or after you start seeing floaters or flashes of light. Learn more about macular hole.
Macular pucker. Occasionally, vitreous detachment can lead to a thin layer of scar tissue forming over the macula. This usually develops gradually over the months or years after the detachment. Learn more about macular pucker.
These conditions can affect your vision, but there may be treatment options available to help you keep your sight. It’s really important to let your eye doctor know right away if you experience any symptoms of vitreous detachment so they can check for these more serious issues.
Am I at risk for vitreous detachment?
If you’re 50 or older, you’re at a higher risk for vitreous detachment, and the chances increase as you age. It’s especially common for those over 80. If you’re nearsighted, your risk is even higher.
If you have vitreous detachment in one eye, you’re also more likely to experience it in the other eye.
How will my doctor check for vitreous detachment?
Eye care professionals can check for vitreous detachment during a dilated eye exam. Your doctor will use eye drops to dilate (enlarge) your pupils and then look for signs of vitreous detachment and other potential eye issues.
This exam is usually painless, but the doctor might apply some pressure to your eyelids to check for retinal tears, which could be a bit uncomfortable for some people.
What’s the treatment for vitreous detachment?
If your vitreous detachment doesn’t lead to any serious eye problems, you probably won’t need any treatment. However, if it does cause a serious issue, like a retinal tear, you may need treatment for that specific condition.
If floaters continue to bother you after a few months and make it hard to see clearly, your eye doctor might suggest a surgical procedure called vitrectomy to get rid of them. Just make sure to talk about the risks and benefits of this surgery with your doctor.