PVD

What is PVD?

Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD) is a common eye condition that occurs when the vitreous gel, a clear and jelly-like substance inside your eye, separates from the retina. The vitreous gel provides shape and nutrients to your eye, playing a crucial role in maintaining ocular health. Light passes through the vitreous gel to reach the retina at the back of the eye, where it is converted into visual signals. When the vitreous gel detaches from the retina, this condition is known as a vitreous detachment.

How Do I Get a PVD?

As you get older, various structures within your eye undergo changes. The vitreous part of the eye becomes more watery and less “jelly-like,” losing its ability to maintain its original shape. This structural change increases the likelihood of the vitreous moving away from the retina, leading to a PVD. Ageing is the most common cause, but there are other factors that can contribute to the development of PVD.

Trauma to the eye can also cause a PVD. This could result from something as forceful as a boxer’s punch or even from seemingly benign actions like vigorous nose blowing. Additionally, PVD can also occur as a post-surgical complication, particularly after cataract surgery.

Who Can Get PVD?

PVD is quite prevalent, affecting approximately 75% of people over the age of 65. Although less common in individuals in their 40s and 50s, the condition is not rare and can still occur. Research has indicated that PVD is more common among women than men. It’s important to note that PVD is not a sign of disease or other eye health problems. For most people, it happens naturally as part of the ageing process.

The condition is rare in people with emmetropia (normal vision without the need for distance correction) or those under the age of 40. However, the likelihood of developing PVD increases with age, affecting up to 86% of individuals in their 90s. People with myopia (nearsightedness) are at a higher risk of developing PVD at any age compared to those without.

Will PVD Affect My Vision?

PVD does not directly threaten your vision, but it can cause several common symptoms that may affect your visual experience. These include:

• Floaters: Dots, circles, lines, or clouds that move around in your field of vision.
• Little Flashes of Light: As the vitreous pulls on the retina, it can stimulate it, causing the sensation of a flash of light.
• Cobweb Effect: A visual phenomenon where your vision appears to have a cobweb overlay.

Some people may experience all three symptoms, while others might only experience one or two. Importantly, these symptoms can also indicate more serious issues such as a retinal tear, which requires urgent medical attention.

What to Do If You Suspect a PVD

The only way to definitively diagnose a PVD is to have your eyes thoroughly examined by an optometrist. If you suddenly experience any of the following symptoms, it is crucial to seek professional evaluation as soon as possible—preferably on the same day, or at least within 24 hours:

• A sudden appearance of floaters, or a notable increase in their size and number.
• Flashes of light and/or a change or increase in the frequency of flashing lights.
• Blurring of vision.
• A dark ‘curtain’ moving up, down, or across your vision, which may indicate that the retina has already partially detached.

It is essential to remember that in most cases, these symptoms are caused by PVD alone, which rarely results in long-term vision issues. However, it is always advisable to have your eyes examined to confirm the diagnosis and rule out more serious conditions like retinal detachment or tears.

Treating PVD

Around 10% of cases involving PVD can develop into a retinal tear, and 40% of untreated retinal tears can progress to retinal detachment. For PVD without associated retinal tears, no specific treatment is required. The vitreous will continue to age and liquefy over time, causing the floaters to become less noticeable. Eventually, all symptoms should completely disappear. Continuous care and monitoring of PVDs are the most effective ways to prevent them from developing into retinal tears and detachments.

Should I Avoid Any Activities After Being Diagnosed with PVD?

Most people diagnosed with PVD do not need to restrict their activities. There is no evidence to suggest that engaging in activities such as heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, contact sports, or yoga/Pilates will exacerbate your PVD. However, you may notice that your floaters are more pronounced during these activities due to increased movement rather than any change in your eye condition.

Some individuals may choose to avoid certain activities when their PVD symptoms are particularly intense, especially if newly diagnosed. They might prefer to wait until the symptoms subside before resuming their usual activities.

You can continue with your daily activities without concern, and there is no evidence to suggest that flying in an aeroplane will worsen your PVD. This advice might change if you have other eye conditions or specific health concerns. Your optometrist is the best person to provide tailored advice regarding any activities you should avoid.

Ongoing Support and Care

Our fully qualified optometrists and eye management team are readily available to offer you support and continuous care in managing PVD. We advise undergoing a thorough eye examination, which includes a retinal scan, to rule out any further complications. Regular check-ups ensure that your eye health is monitored closely, allowing for early detection and intervention if needed.

By staying informed and maintaining regular eye examinations, you can effectively manage PVD and safeguard your vision.