UPMC Eye Center

Posterior Vitreous Detachment

The inside of the eye, the part of the eye that gives it its round shape, is made up of a mixture of sugars and proteins which are collectively called the vitreous. With age, the consistency of the vitreous changes from jelly-like to watery. When this happens, the vitreous may collapse, detaching from the back (posterior) wall of the eye.  This detachment occurs naturally in people over 50.  

The remaining jelly-like parts of the vitreous clump together and float around in the eye. When light hits the strands, a shadow is cast on the retina, which is seen as a floating gray spot, or a floater. People who experience vitreous detachment will notice a sudden appearance of one or several floaters. Individuals with vitreous detachment may also see sparkling lights. 

Diagnosis
If you believe that you may be experiencing vitreous detachment, you should schedule an eye exam with your eye doctor. The diagnosis is made by a thorough examination of the back of the eye while your pupils are dilated.  Your doctor will also make sure to examine your retina to rule out small breaks, tears, or damage to blood vessels which can also cause floaters.

Treatment
In most cases, the only necessary treatment is monitoring from an eye doctor. Usually, another exam is needed about four weeks after the first exam. Floaters will stay in the eye for several months or years before they settle because of gravity.  If symptoms become more noticeable, an eye doctor should be contacted immediately.

If an eye doctor determines that the retina is damaged, a patient will need to seek treatment from a retinal specialist.

For more information, or to make an appointment with an eye doctor, please contact the UPMC Eye Center at 412-647-2200.

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