What is a vitreous detachment?

The vitreous is a clear, jelly-like substance filling the eye. When the eye is young, the vitreous is clear and sticks to the retina in the back of the eye. Over time, the vitreous becomes thin and pockets of fluid and bits of protein debris form in the vitreous. These bits of debris and fluid pockets cast shadows on the back of the eye, causing symptoms known as floaters.

At the same time, the vitreous becomes loose, and at some point, it naturally separates completely free from the retina. This separation of the vitreous from the retina is known as a vitreous detachment. A vitreous detachment is not the same thing as a retinal detachment. As the vitreous is separating from the retina, it can pull on parts of the retina, creating visual symptoms of flashing lights. Also, there can be a sudden increase in the floaters when a vitreous detachment occurs. Vitreous detachments are painless.

If any of these symptoms occurs, it is important to contact an eye doctor immediately. A vitreous detachment, in and of itself, is not a dangerous thing, and in fact some consider it a “normal” aging process in the eye; however, as the vitreous is separating from the retina, it can tear a blood vessel, tear the retina, or even lead to a detachment of the retina. For this reason, prompt evaluation is important.

While detachment of the vitreous usually happens with age, it can occur in younger eyes if the eye is very nearsighted. Also, occasionally a sudden impact to the eye can dislodge the vitreous and cause it to separate from the retina. In either case, there will be similar symptoms of flashing lights and floaters, and it is important to see an eye doctor promptly to make sure that no retinal tears have developed. A series of follow-up examinations may also be recommended to make sure that retinal tears do not develop over time as it may take weeks to a few months for the vitreous to completely separate from the retina.