Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)

What Is a Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)?

Inside your eye is a clear, jelly like substance called the vitreous. When we are younger, this gel is firmly attached to the retina, which is the light sensing tissue lining the back of the eye.

As we age, the vitreous gradually shrinks and becomes more liquid. As this happens, it can gently pull away from the retina. This natural separation is called a posterior vitreous detachment, or PVD.

A PVD is very common, especially after age 50, and in most cases it is not dangerous. However, because the vitreous pulls on the retina as it separates, a careful eye exam is necessary to make sure a retinal tear has not occurred. If left untreated, a retinal tear can lead to a retinal detachment, which may require surgery to prevent vision loss.
 

What Symptoms Might You Notice?

People experience PVDs differently, but common symptoms include:

New floaters
These may appear as dots, squiggly lines, cobwebs, or “gnats” floating in your vision. Floaters are often most noticeable when looking at bright backgrounds, such as the sky or a white wall.

Flashes of light
These are usually brief flickers or lightning like streaks, most often seen in the side (peripheral) vision. They may be more noticeable in dim lighting or when moving your eyes side to side.

These symptoms often improve over time as the vitreous settles and your brain learns to ignore them.
 

Why Do We Dilate Your Eyes?

Dilating your pupils allows us to examine the entire retina, especially the far peripheral areas that cannot be seen well without dilation. Retinal tears most commonly occur in these peripheral regions.

When your eyes are dilated, we carefully check for:

• Retinal tears or holes

• Early retinal detachment

• Small areas of bleeding inside the eye
   

Most people with a PVD do not have a retinal tear. However, the only way to know for sure is through a dilated eye exam. If a tear is found early, treatment is usually simpler and outcomes are generally better.
 

Why Is a Follow Up Visit Usually About One Month Later?

A PVD is not a single event—it is a process that unfolds over several weeks.
Even if your initial dilated exam is normal, the vitreous can continue to shift as it finishes separating from the retina. Because of this, we typically schedule a follow up exam in about 4 weeks to make sure no delayed retinal tears have developed and that your eye remains healthy.
 

When Should You Call Us Right Away?

Although most PVDs are uncomplicated, certain symptoms require immediate attention. Please contact us right away if you notice:

• A sudden increase in floaters, especially many new ones at once

• New or worsening flashes of light

• A dark curtain, shadow, or gray area moving across your vision

• Loss of side (peripheral) vision

• Sudden or persistent blurry vision that does not clear
   

These symptoms can be warning signs of a retinal tear or detachment. These conditions are treatable, but early care is critical.
 

The Bottom Line

• Posterior vitreous detachment is a common, age related change inside the eye

• PVDs can cause flashes and floaters and occasionally lead to retinal tears

• Dilated eye exams are essential to protect your vision

• Follow up visits help ensure long term eye health

• If symptoms worsen or change, don’t wait—call us right away

If you have questions or concerns at any point, our team is here to help and guide you through every step.