Detachment of the Vitreous Body

What is vitreous detachment?

The vitreous is the gel-like fluid that fills the eye. It is full of fibers that are attached to the retina (the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye). As you age, the fibers of the vitreous pull away from the retina. This is called vitreous detachment. It usually happens after the age of 50. You may not notice when the vitreous detaches, or you may notice symptoms that affect your vision. If you notice symptoms of vitreous detachment, speak with your ophthalmologist.

What are the symptoms of vitreous detachment?

The most common symptom of vitreous detachment is a sudden increase in floating “floaters” (small dark spots or squiggly lines that drift in your field of vision). When the vitreous detaches, strands from it often cast new shadows on the retina — and these shadows appear as floaters.

You may also notice flashes of light in your peripheral vision.

Sometimes, vitreous detachment causes more serious eye problems that require immediate treatment. The only way to determine if vitreous detachment has caused a serious eye problem is to have an eye exam with pupil dilation. Therefore, if you notice symptoms of vitreous detachment, it is important to visit your eye doctor immediately.

If vitreous detachment does not cause a serious eye problem, the symptoms are likely to become less noticeable after a few months.

What other problems can vitreous detachment cause?

Vitreous detachment can sometimes lead to more serious eye conditions:

• Retinal tear (retinoschisis). Sometimes vitreous fibers tear the retina as they detach. If not treated quickly, this can lead to retinal detachment.
• Retinal detachment. Sometimes vitreous detachment pulls the entire retina away from its normal position at the back of the eye. This can be a medical emergency. Learn more about retinal detachment.
• Macular hole. Sometimes, the detachment of the vitreous body creates a tear in the macula (the part of the retina that controls your central vision). This can happen before or after the vitreous has detached enough to cause floaters or flashes of light. Learn more about macular hole.

These conditions can lead to vision loss, but treatment may help preserve it. Notify your ophthalmologist immediately if you notice symptoms of vitreous detachment so they can check for these more serious issues.

What is the treatment for vitreous detachment?

If vitreous detachment does not lead to a more serious eye condition, treatment is likely not needed. If vitreous detachment results in a serious condition, such as a retinal tear, treatment for that condition may be necessary.

 Synonyms: Eye gel separation, Vitreous detachment, Weiss ring