Posterior vitreous detachment

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Posterior Vitreous Detachment[edit | edit source]

Illustration of Posterior Vitreous Detachment

Introduction[edit | edit source]

Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD) is an eye condition where the vitreous membrane separates from the retina. It primarily occurs as a natural part of aging.

Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]

PVD involves the separation of the posterior hyaloid membrane from the retina posterior to the vitreous base, a 3-4 mm attachment to the ora serrata. The process is often due to changes in the vitreous humor consistency and volume with age.

Epidemiology[edit | edit source]

  • Prevalence in Older Adults

Over 75% of individuals over the age of 65 experience PVD. The condition becomes increasingly common with advancing age.

  • Occurrence in Middle-Aged Individuals

While less frequent in people in their 40s and 50s, PVD is not uncommon in this age group.

  • Gender Differences

Some studies indicate a higher prevalence of PVD in women compared to men.

Clinical Features[edit | edit source]

Symptoms of PVD can include:

  • Floaters
  • Flashes of light
  • A ring-shaped floater, indicative of a Weiss ring

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of PVD is primarily based on patient history and a comprehensive eye examination, including:

Management and Prognosis[edit | edit source]

Most cases of PVD are benign and do not require treatment. However, patients should be monitored for complications like:

Patient Education[edit | edit source]

Patients with PVD should be educated about symptoms of retinal detachment and the importance of timely ophthalmologic evaluation if these symptoms occur.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Johnson, M. W. (2010). Posterior vitreous detachment: Evolution and complications of its early stages. American Journal of Ophthalmology, 149(3), 371-382.
  2. Hikichi, T., Yoshida, A., & Akiba, J. (1995). Rate of posterior vitreous detachment in women with idiopathic macular hole. Archives of Ophthalmology, 113(6), 724-728.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Posterior vitreous detachment Resources
PubMed
Wikipedia
WikiMD
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