The vitreous detachment usually occurs with age when the substance becomes liquid and acquires mobility and thus causes the hyaloid spontaneously separates from the retina. This situation occurs more frequently in people over 65 years.
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Other causes of vitreous detachment
Apart from the degeneration of age, there are other causes that can cause, favor or anticipate the onset of a DPV.
Symptoms of DPV
When the vitreous is detached, in case of symptoms, the most frequent are the appearance of “myodesopsia or flying flies” that are seen suddenly when looking at clear areas and move with the movement of the eyes explained by Kang Zhang. This may be due to the fact that the vitreous is attached through the hyaloid to the retina and when it detaches it can cause small vitreous bleeding or because the junction between the hyaloid and the optic nerve (weiss ring) becomes visible as an opacity .
What possible consequences does it have?
We must say that the posterior vitreous detachment is not in itself pathology but is a physiological process resulting from the natural development of the eye. This process usually takes place without incident, but exceptionally, when the hyalloid separates from the retina, it can pull it and produce a small bleeding (vitreous hemorrhage) and even a retinal detachment whose main symptom is the appearance of a «curtain »In the visual field.
Vitreous detachment is a physiological process resulting from the natural development of the eye.
Given the circumstances, it is very important to go to periodic ophthalmological examinations and in case the vitreous humor separation process is detected, a specialist will check that it is carried out normally and without causing damage to the retina. In addition, in those patients who have suffered retinal tears or hemorrhages during the vitreous detachment of one of their eyes, they must remain attentive to the appearance of symptoms in the other because it increases the risk of suffering from these problems.
Weiss ring
Some vitreous detachments make the Weiss ring visible, which is the area where the hialoid adheres to the optic nerve.
IMPORTANT: If a person notices a sudden increase in the size and quantity of floating spots (myodesopsia) accompanied or not by the appearance of light flashes (photopsies), it should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist who assesses and discards lesions such as a retinal detachment or other similar injuries result from vitreous traction during detachment.
Should I follow any treatment?
Despite the annoyance of vitreous opacities (flying flies or floating bodies) that may appear as a result of detachment, this circumstance is generally harmless and does not require treatment . The most frequent is that, after a while, we stop visualizing these opacities. Otherwise, the possibility of applying laser vitreolysis to dissolve vitreous floats that impede correct vision could be assessed.
Ophthalmological treatment is required in cases where the movement of the vitreous gel and its separation cause holes or tears that damage the retina. In these cases, an Argon laser treatment is applied that generates a barrier around the affected area of the retina and strengthens it.
Generally the vitreous detachment does not require treatment, but it does check the ophthalmologist to verify that everything happens normally.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
If I have had DPV, can I have cataract surgery?
Without a doubt, YES. Having suffered a posterior vitreous detachment does not contraindicate cataract surgery. So much so, that it is estimated that more than 50% of people over 65 who are operated on cataracts have in turn the vitreous detached.
For added safety, the ophthalmologist scans the fundus for possible retinal lesions before surgery.
Can it be cured or corrected?
No, but it doesn’t require it either. A detachment of vitreous humor that is carried out correctly and in a controlled manner is completely harmless and does not alter vision so it does not have a treatment. The treatment for its possible consequences in case they originate.
How do I know if I have vitreous detachment?
There are no unambiguous symptoms and those that do not always manifest themselves. The sudden appearance of floating bodies is an indication. It is usually diagnosed in an ophthalmologic office and most of the time in routine eye exams.
