What
is Vitreous?
Vitreous gel is a clear, jelly-like substance
that fills the inside of the eye. The retina
is the nerve tissue that lines the back of
the eye. The retina is
like the film in a camera that “sends a picture” to the brain. Because
the vitreous gel is clear, light rays are able to pass through it to reach the
retina. However, any change in the consistency, color or structure of the vitreous
can interfere with the transmission of light to the retina, causing visual symptoms.
How does the vitreous change with age?
In young people, the vitreous fills the entire cavity of the eye and has a
solid jelly-like consistency. With age, the vitreous becomes more watery,
and the gel portion begins to gradually pull away from the retina. This process
of pulling away is called Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD).
Can this cause floaters?
Yes. When the vitreous begins “pulling away,” condensations form
within the gel. These can be seen as small dots that are “floating” in
the field of vision. A few small specks or threads usually are of no concern.
However, a shower of large or web-like floaters may indicate that a retinal
tear has occurred or that there is bleeding within the eye.
What causes the flashes of light?
Flashes of light are another symptom often associated with posterior vitreous
detachment. The flashes of light are a signal to the brain that there is
pulling on the retina. Infrequent light flashes are common in this process.
However, a sudden onset of frequent light flashes could indicate that the
vitreous is putting traction on the retina, which could result in a retinal
tear. This symptom should be promptly reported.
How does the vitreous cause a retinal tear?
In some areas, the vitreous attachment to the retina may be strong. In these
areas of vitreoretinal traction the bond may be so strong that the pulling
away of the vitreous gel from the retina causes a tear at the point of adherence.
What are the symptoms that a tear has occurred?
Some tears caused by a posterior vitreous detachment do not cause ocular sysmptoms.
However, the sudden onset of constant floaters and/or frequent light flashes
can be warning signs that a retinal tear has occurred.
Why is treatment of retinal tears important?
When a retinal tear develops, the vitreous fluid can move through the tear
and get beneath the retina. This serious condition is called a retinal detachment.
Prompt treatment of retinal tears is important in order to seal the tear
and prevent a detachment of the retina. To seal the affected area, the surgeon
utilizes either laser treatment or a freezing method called cryopexy. The
decision for mode of treatment depends upon the location of the tear and
whether there is fluid associated with the tear. Treatment of retinal tears
is successful in most cases. If the retina becomes detached, a more involved
surgical procedure may be required.
What are the symptoms of retinal detachment?
Loss of side vision, like a curtain or shadow coming from your periphery and
moving towards the center, is a common symptom of retinal detachment.
Warning signs of retinal tears or detachment should
be reported to your physician immediately. |
