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vitreous detachment
Epidemiology:
1) common condition that usually affects people over age 50
2) very common after age 80
3) people who are nearsighted are at increased risk
4) vitreous detachment in one eye increases likelihood of detachment in other eye, although it may not happen until years later
Pathology:
1) with aging, the vitreous slowly shrinks, & fibers within the vitreous attached to the retina pull on the retinal surface
2) generally the fibers break, allowing the vitreous to separate & shrink from the retina
3) in most cases, vision is not threatened
4) fibrous strands can cast tiny shadows on the retina
Clinical manifestations:
1) most cases are asymptomatic
2) floaters
3) flashes of light (lightning streaks) in peripheral vision
4) metamorphopsia
Complications:
1) macular hole
2) retinal detachment
Management:
- in most cases, a vitreous detachment does not threaten vision & requires no treatment
Related
retinal pigment epithelium detachment (retinal detachment)
vitreous humor (vitreous, vitreous gel, V)
Specific
pilocar (PVD)
posterior vitreous detachment (PVD)
General
retinal disease
References
- National Eye Institute: Facts About Vitreous Detachment
http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/vitreous/index.asp