Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD)* is a frequent cause for concern and urgent evaluation. It occurs when the vitreous gel- a mixture of collagen and water which fills the back part of the eye (between the lens and the retina)- liquifies and separates from the retina.
This rapid-onset event often associated with the sudden onset of flashes of light and floaters. The floaters can be dark or grey like spots, squiggles or often cobweb-like.
It is imperative that patients with acute-onset PVDs are evaluated for potential associated retinal tears, holes and detachments in our office urgently. If PVDs persist with annoying visual impairment, we offer in-office laser vitreolysis if the patient is a candidate. We generally wait at least 3 months from the time of PVD to consider a laser treatment of the floaters.
A vitrectomy surgery can be performed for those patients with more diffuse and extensive floaters.