The interior of our eye is filled with a gel-like compound known as vitreous. The vitreous helps in maintaining the round shape of the eye. Within this region, millions of fine fibers are attached to the retina’s surface. Retina is the tissue of the eye which is sensitive to light. With age, this vitreous fluid starts to gradually shrink. Hence, the fine nerve fibers increases their pull on the surface of the retina. Mostly this leads to broken fibers, which separates and shrinks the vitreous from the retina. This phenomenon is known as vitreous detachment. Read on to know all about vitreous detachment.
In most of the cases, a vitreous detachment does not require any treatment and also does not pose any threat to the eyesight. This vitreous detachment is also called as a posterior vitreous detachment.
Vitreous Detachment — Who are at Risk?
This eye condition is most rampant in people who are over the age of 50. also, it is one of the most common eye affliction which affects after the age of 80. Also, people who have nearsightedness are at a higher risk. There is a likelihood that people having a vitreous detachment in one eye may develop another in the other eye. However, this may occur after a few years.
Symptoms of Vitreous Detachment
The vitreous may become stringy as it starts to shrink. You may experience tiny shadows on the surface of the retina which are known as floaters. Floaters resemble little specks or “cobwebs” that appear on the field of your vision. When you concentrate on these little dots, they seem to quickly move out.
Another symptom of vitreous detachment is a sudden but small increase in the number of floaters. This is accompanied by sudden light flashes in your side or peripheral vision.
