Posterior Vitreous Detachment

Your eyes are filled with a clear, gel substance called the vitreous. With time the vitreous begins to liquefy and detach from the retina. During this process, you may experience small flashes of light in the edge of your vision. Most cases of posterior vitreous detachment lead to a large floater within your vision that you notice less and less over the months following the detachment. However, during the detachment your retina is at an increased risk to rip, creating a retina tear. It is imperative that you visit your eye doctor as soon as possible if you experience any flashing lights in your vision or notice any new floaters within your vision.

The physicians at Ocean Eye conduct an in-depth evaluation to ensure that your retina is healthy and free of any retinal defects, including retinal holes/tears/detachments. If we do find a retinal defect, we generally refer the patient to a retinal specialist for further evaluation and treatments that may include laser treatment or surgery.