Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD) is a common condition which occurs in about 75 per cent of people over the age of 65. As people get older the vitreous, a jelly-like substance inside the eye changes. This liquefaction of the vitreous gel can lead to a Posterior Vitreous Detachment.

What is the Vitreous?
The vitreous is a clear jelly-like substance within the eye which takes up the space behind the lens and in front of the retina, the light sensitive layer at the back of the eye. It is 99 per cent water. The other 1 per cent consists of substances which are important in maintaining the shape of the vitreous. The outer part of the vitreous (the cortex) has the highest concentration of collagen. The vitreous is attached to the retina, more strongly in some places than others. When a PVD starts, the jelly comes away from the retina.

Are retinal tears serious?
Sometimes the vitreous is so firmly attached to the surface of the retina that as the jelly collapses it pulls quite strongly on the retina. In a few people this may lead to the retina tearing which in turn could lead to a loss of vision because of a retinal detachment.

Warning signs of a retinal tear or detachment could be an increase in size and number of your floaters, a change / increase in the flashing lights you experience or a blurring of vision. If you experience any of these symptoms you should seek medical advice from your ophthalmologist within 24 hours. This is particularly important if you notice a dark "curtain" falling across your vision, as this may mean that the retina has already partially detached. Early intervention may allow treatment of a tear before it becomes a detachment and increase the chances of a good recovery from a retinal detachment which has already occurred.

It is important to remember that PVD has been estimated to have occurred in over 75 per cent of the population over 65, that PVD is essentially a harmless condition although with some disturbing symptoms and that it does not normally threaten sight.

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