Causes and Treatment of a Posterior Vitreous Detachment
A Posterior Vitreous Detachment or PVD is a very common condition that happens to most of us as we age however these factors may place you at a higher risk: over 50, short-sighted, trauma to the eye or recent eye surgery (i.e., cataract operation), and/or already had a PVD in one eye.
In most cases, the vitreous detaches fully and cleanly, without any tearing or pulling at the retina and the PVD is considered non-sight threatening and requires no treatment. The floaters remain, but in time become less noticeable and the flashing lights usually settle.
If dense floaters persist after a PVD and interfere with visibility and everyday activities, a vitrectomy surgery may be performed to remove the vitreous and debris from the eye.
In some rare cases, the vitreous pulling away from the retina causes serious complications such as a macular hole, retinal tear or retinal detachment requiring urgent treatment to prevent vision loss.
