Dr Petros Aristodemou FRCOphth, Consultant Eye Surgeon

Posterior Vitreous Detachment

This is an almost natural age related change that occurs in the eye. The Vitreous is a transparent solid gel body, which becomes liquefied with age and in more than 50% of the population over the age of 50, it separates from the back of the eye. Some patients may notice a sudden change in floaters or flashing lights. In patients who perceive these symptoms, the risk of the gel pulling a retinal tear is about 1:10. In half of these case, fluid can go through the tear behind the retina and detach the retina. For this reason, it is advisable that any person with recent onset of floaters or flashes of light is examined by an ophthalmologist so for the timely detection and treatment of any tears, which could otherwise progress to a retinal detachment.