What is "Floaters and Flashes or PVDs?"

A Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD) is a rather dramatic event in the normal aging process of the human eye.

The vitreous is the jelly-like material that fills the large central cavity of the eye.  It is 98% water and 2% protein, which gives the vitreous a stiff consistency similar to double-strength gelatin.  The vitreous has normal connections to the retina, the light sensitive layer in the back of the eye.

As we age, the watery elements in the vitreous separate from the fibrous components.  With this comes a contraction of the fibrous elements from the retina - A Posterior Vitreous Detachment.  This contraction on the retina is responsible for the characteristic "Flashes" that often accompany PVDs.  The "Floaters" frequently reported are from the re-organization of the fibrous elements, as well as, some fragments of retina that may have been dragged into the vitreous cavity by this separation.  Besides age, other contributing factors include nearsightedness and injuries to the eye. Both may speed up the normal aging process.

All patients who experience a recent onset of flashes and floaters should be examined carefully by an Ophthalmologist.  Most of the time, nothing unusual is found, and simple reassurance is all that is needed.  The flashes eventually go away, and the floaters diminish, and become less bothersome over time.

However, a tear in the retina is found in less than 1% of eyes with a PVD.  If left untreated, these tears can lead to a retinal detachment, a very serious sight-threatening requiring a major surgical procedure to repair.  Even in the best of hands, the result of this procedure can be very unpredictable.

Treatment:

When symptoms appear, it is important to examine the eye within a day of their onset.  Changes can occur rapidly, and time can be of the essence if a retinal detachment is present.  Even if all is normal in the first eye, patients can not assume that all will be well with the second one.  It also should be carefully examined and treated if necessary.

If retinal tears are found, treatment is simple and very effective.  They should be sealed with circles of burns around the tear with a laser of by sealing it with a freezing unit.  Both accomplish the same purpose with good results and low complication rates.  The procedure is done in an outpatient setting under a local anesthesia.

 

 

Zion Eye Institute is dedicated to providing the highest quality eye care to patients in Southern Utah, Nevada and Northern Arizona.

Copyright © 2005 The Zion Eye Institute, All rights reserved.