Posterior vitreous detachment
Background
- Separation of posterior vitreous from the retina, as a result of vitreous degeneration and shrinkage
- Age-related event (prevalence):
- 50-59 yrs = 24%
- 80-90 yrs = 87
- in the majority of cases PVD is benign
- in acute phase, concern is for causing retinal tear, which can lead to retinal detachment
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical treatment of retinal detachment can prevent impending vision loss or can restore vision
Risk factors
- myopia
- trauma
- intraocular inflammation
Evaluation
Differential Diagnosis
Acute onset flashers and floaters
- Ocular causes
- Floaters and/or flashes
- Posterior vitreous detachment
- Retinal tear or retinal detachment
- Posterior uveitis
- Predominantly floaters
- Vitreous hemorrhage secondary to proliferative retinopathy
- Sympathetic ophthalmia
- Predominantly flashes
- Oculodigital stimulation
- Rapid eye movements
- Neovascular age-related macular degeneration
- Floaters and/or flashes
- Nonocular causes
- Migraine aura (classic)
- Migraine aura (acephalgicmigraine)
- Occipital lobe disorders
- Postural hypotension
Management
Referral of patients with presumed posterior vitreous detachment
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See Also
Acute Onset Flashers and Floaters