Causes
Posterior vitreous detachment can be caused by an injury to the head or eye, or can be related to previous health conditions such as diabetes. Age is also a common cause of retinal detachment. Patients who are extremely nearsighted or who have a previous family history of retinal detachment may be at an increased risk of the condition.
Another cause is the leakage of the gel-like material (vitreous) which can be caused by a retinal tear or hole. Shrinking of the vitreous, which is attached to the retina at the back of the eye, may eventually lead to retinal detachment. Eye disorders, such as lattice degeneration (a condition where the retina becomes very thin) may also cause tears or holes in the retina.
Understanding posterior vitreous detachment
The retina is the nerve at the back of the eye that allows you to focus on images you see. Posterior vitreous detachment occurs when the gel-like material called the vitreous separates or breaks away from the retina. Although this is a common condition, it does not cause the patient any physical pain. However, it is important that symptoms are recognized early on in order to prevent any permanent vision loss.
In more serious cases, this condition may lead to further health issues such as retinal bleeding and tears, and if not properly treated this can lead to permanent vision loss. You may also only notice symptoms in one eye, but if not treated it is likely that it will spread to the other eye within a year.
See New Jersey Eye Center retina specialists
The New Jersey Eye Center treats a wide variety of conditions, including posterior vitreous detachment. If you are experiencing any symptoms, don’t hesitate to stop by our walk-in eye center for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Our specialists are here to help you live a happier and healthier life by assisting you with all your eye care related needs.
We understand your needs and are here to assist you with all of your vision-related concerns. The most common symptoms of this condition are floaters, temporary loss of vision, and sudden flashes of light. If you experience any of these symptoms, see our medical professionals as soon as possible in order to reduce the chance of permanent vision loss due to posterior vitreous detachment.