Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD) is a natural change that occurs when the vitreous gel that fills the eye separates from the retina, the light sensitive layer that lines the back of the eye.
Over time, the vitreous gel that fills the eye condenses (shrinks) due to age and normal wear and tear. Eventually it cannot fill the whole volume of the eye’s vitreous cavity, so the gel separates from the retina.
Symptoms
Floaters
Flashes
Most patients experience PVD after the age of 60. This is usually not sight threatening but may occasionally result in a complication such as retinal detachment. Hence, patients are asked to monitor if there is an increase in the number of floaters and flashes, accompanied by distorted or decreased vision and contact their Ophthalmologist immediately.
Video Resource
Source: Mark Erickson