When we see floaters, lightning and stars. Posterior Vitreous Detachment.

Vitreous humour is a transparent jelly that fills the vitreous cavity in between the lens and the retina. The retina is stimulated when the jelly is dislodged causing flashes and ‘floaters’ that are displaced under the slightest eye movement. These ‘floaters’ can take shape in the form of cobwebs, floating shapes or water drops.

This phenomenon takes places physiologically and spontaneously in people over the age of 60, however it can also emerge in other ages especially in those that suffer from myopia or of a form of eye trauma.

No pain or loss of vision is experienced when suffering from Posterior Vitreous Detachment. No treatment is needed for this pathology and it tends to disappear in 1 to 3 months although a number of permanent ‘floaters’ can remain in a number of patients.

It should be noted that it could emerge in one eye and then the other.

How can it be differentiated from retinal detachment?

Retinal detachment is a serious pathology where ‘floaters’ and flashes increase, causing shadows to appear in the edges of vision in one eye thereby impairing eye vision; This would be a medical emergency that would need urgent surgery to prevent permanent loss of vision in the affected eye.

Do not hesitate to contact an ophthalmologist when experiencing the slightest doubt.

Dr J. Hurtado Martínez

Medical Director of HealthSalus