What is posterior vitreous detachment?

The vitreous is a transparent substance with a gel-like consistency. It fills the space between the lens and the retina at the back of the eye. The vitreous helps maintain the shape of the eye, absorbs shocks, and helps keep the retina in place against the back of the eye.

As we age, the vitreous humor can liquefy and gradually detach from the retina, then sag toward the center of the eye. This is known as posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). It is a natural part of the aging process that affects most people at some point in their lives, usually after the age of 50.

Although DVP is usually benign, in some cases it can cause a retinal tear or retinal detachment, which is an eye emergency requiring immediate treatment. That is why it is essential to see an optometrist in Gatineau as soon as the first symptoms appear.

Symptoms of posterior vitreous detachment

Floaters: Small black dots , strands, spiderwebs, or shapes that appear to float in your field of vision. They move when you move your eyes and are more noticeable against a light background, such as a blue sky or a white screen.

Light flashes: Flashes of light in your peripheral vision, similar to lightning or sparkles. They are often more noticeable in the dark and may occur intermittently for several weeks.

Blurred or hazy vision: A sensation of fog or a shadow in part of the visual field.

Important: These symptoms may also be a sign of a retinal tear or detachment. If you are experiencing them for the first time, see an optometrist in Gatineau within 24 to 48 hours. At Altitude Optométrie, we offer an emergency eye care service 7 days a week for exactly this type of situation.

Risk factors

Age: This is the main factor. DVP most often occurs after age 50, and the majority of people over 70 have experienced it.

Myopia: People with myopia, especially those with high myopia, are at greater risk and may develop PVD earlier in life.

Eye trauma: A blow to the eye or head can cause premature DVP.

Previous eye surgery: People who have had cataract surgery or another intraocular procedure are at higher risk.

Vitreous detachment in the other eye: If you have already had a vitreous detachment in one eye, there is a higher risk that the other eye will be affected as well.

Diagnosis in Gatineau

At Altitude Optometry, a diagnosis of posterior vitreous detachment is made during an emergency eye exam. Our team of optometrists in Gatineau uses state-of-the-art technology to assess your condition:

Pupil dilation: Allows for a complete view of the retina to detect any tears or signs of retinal detachment.

Retinal camera: Captures high-resolution images of the back of the eye for documentation and monitoring.

OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography): Allows for detailed visualization of the layers of the retina and confirmation of vitreous detachment.

All of these exams can be scheduled on the same day you call, thanks to our 24/7 emergency eye care service.

Treatment of posterior vitreous detachment

In the vast majority of cases, no medical treatment is necessary for a vitreous detachment. The vitreous continues to liquefy naturally, and the floaters gradually become less visible over the course of weeks and months. The brain adapts and eventually ignores them.

What’s crucial is monitoring. Regular follow-up visits with an optometrist in Gatineau help ensure that PVD does not progress to a complication. Our optometrists at Altitude Optometry generally recommend a follow-up exam a few weeks after the initial diagnosis.

If a retinal tear or detachment is detected, prompt treatment is necessary. At Altitude Optometry, we have direct access to ophthalmologists in Gatineau to ensure urgent same-day care if needed.

Possible complications

Although DVP is usually benign, in some cases it can lead to serious complications that require immediate attention:

Retinal tear: When the vitreous detaches, it can pull on the retina and cause a tear. If left untreated, this tear can progress to a retinal detachment.

Retinal detachment: A serious condition in which the retina separates from the wall of the eye. It is an eye emergency that requires surgery to prevent permanent vision loss.

Vitreous hemorrhage: In rare cases, vitreous detachment can tear a retinal blood vessel, causing bleeding inside the eye.

It is precisely for these reasons that a prompt examination by an optometrist is essential as soon as the first symptoms appear.

Frequently Asked Questions: Posterior Vitreous Detachment

Q: Will floaters go away?
Yes, in most cases. Floaters become less noticeable over time as the brain adjusts. For some people, they disappear almost completely within a few months. They generally do not pose a risk to vision.

Q: Is this the same thing as a retinal detachment?
No. Posterior vitreous detachment is a natural part of the aging process and is usually harmless. A retinal detachment is a medical emergency that requires surgery. However, a posterior vitreous detachment can sometimes lead to a retinal detachment—which is why it’s important to seek medical attention promptly.

Q: Should I see an ophthalmologist?
Not necessarily. Our optometrists in Gatineau are qualified to diagnose a PVD and monitor its progression. If a complication such as a retinal tear is detected, we will immediately refer you to an ophthalmologist with whom we work directly.

Q: How soon after symptoms appear should I seek medical attention?
Ideally within 24 to 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. At Altitude Optometry, our eye emergency service is available 7 days a week.

See an optometrist in Gatineau for your vision problems

Do you see floaters, flashes of light, or experience sudden blurred vision? Don’t take any chances. Our optometrists at Altitude Optométrie in Gatineau are available to evaluate you right away.

The clinic is located at 705 Davidson Street West, Suite 1, and is easily accessible from Hull, Aylmer, Templeton, Cantley, Buckingham, and Masson-Angers via Highway 50, Montée Paiement exit.