If you seem to see black flies or flashes of light in front of your eye, you may have the eye condition called posterior vitreous detachment . Do not panic! It is not dangerous, and as long as there are no complications, the signs may disappear after several weeks.
Retinal Diseases and Treatment of Posterior Vitreous Detachment
Posterior vitreous detachment, or PVD, is a common phenomenon occurring mainly after age 65 because the gel's texture and consistency change with aging.
The vitreous is a transparent gel filling the space behind the eye's lens and attached to the retina. Posterior vitreous detachment occurs when the gel shrinks and pockets of fluid form within it. Later, the gel may peel away from the inner walls of the eyeball, causing damage to the retina. Posterior vitreous detachment happens suddenly and usually affects only one eye. The damage and symptoms vary from person to person.
From the web: Everything in one place: effective, fast treatment for retinal diseases, Dr. Gilad Rabina (Medico)
Signs of Posterior Vitreous Detachment
Flashes of light, black dots or flies moving in front of the eye as the gaze shifts, narrowing of the visual field as though looking through a ring, a feeling of heavy eyes or blurred vision can indicate posterior vitreous detachment.
These visual effects result from changes in the vitreous gel's texture and the accumulation of pigment particles and cells. Flashes arise from retinal stimulation, and the traction caused by posterior vitreous detachment makes the eye interpret the pulling as flashes of light.
The phenomenon usually passes without damage to vision or eye tissue. If posterior vitreous detachment causes retinal tears or tears in retinal blood vessels, Dr. Gilad Rabina's clinic recommends laser treatment to contain the edges of the tear and prevent it from expanding.
Posterior Vitreous Detachment
The sensations and signs accompanying posterior vitreous detachment usually disappear within a few weeks. Incorrect treatment or diagnosis may lead to retinal detachment, which threatens vision and requires surgery. If complications are found, they should be treated promptly.
In Conclusion
If you experience symptoms or signs typical of vitreous detachment, I recommend seeing an eye specialist promptly, says Dr. Gilad Rabina, a retinal disease specialist. Dr. Gilad Rabina is a senior physician and retinal and cataract surgeon in the retina unit of the ophthalmology department at Ichilov Medical Center in Tel Aviv, and a researcher and senior lecturer at Tel Aviv University.
