Vitreous Detachment

Vitreous is a gel-like substance that fills most of the eyes interior and helps maintain the eyes round shape. This gel is intertwined with millions of fine fibers that are attached to the surface of the retina. Vitreous detachment is the breaking of these fibers thus severing the connection between the vitreous and the retina..

Aging causes the vitreous gel to become less like a gel and more like a fluid. As the eye moves, liquefied vitreous also move around inside the vitreous cavity. This movement causes the vitreous to pull on the retina, and in time the vitreous can pull free and separate from the retina. This is called a posterior vitreous detachment. Pulling of the vitreous on the retina can cause flashes of light. We usually see this once a posterior vitreous detachment occurs. As the vitreous liquefies and pulls away from the retina it becomes condensed and stringy and forms strands. We see these strands and strings as they appear as spots, circles, jagged lines and irregular fine threads in the vision. They appear to float, and are called vitreous floaters.

A second source of vitreous detachment is caused by trauma such as my be experienced by a boxer or in some type of accident involving the eye.

Symptoms include an increase in the number of floaters (specks or cobwebs) or shadows in your vision.  These are caused by the loose strands floating in the vitreous fluid. There may also be occasional flashes of light (like lightning streaks).  The good news is that generally these symptoms begin to abate over time and do not need treatment.  They do not threaten your sight and do not lead to blindness.  However it is important to have your eyes checked by a professional to insure that a more dangerous condition such as a macular hole or retinal detachment is not developing.  Both of which can lead to blindness if not treated.

The only way to diagnose the cause of the problem is to visit your eye doctor for an exam.