Vitreous Detachment Treatment

Treatment and Prognosis of Posterior Vitreous Detachment

Because the risks outweigh the benefits, surgery is rarely indicated for PVD except when the floaters obscure the vision significantly. In these cases, surgical removal of the vitreous (vitrectomy) may be considered; although, treatment is seldom needed since floaters typically become less bothersome over a period of weeks to months as they settle below the line of sight. Nevertheless, it is important that all eyes with recent onset of flashes and floaters be immediately examined carefully by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Changes can occur rapidly and time can be of the essence if a retinal detachment is present. If the retina is normal and intact it is still monitored for several weeks with eye dilation to watch for complications, until the PVD is complete.  It is important to maintain the directed follow-up schedule with your doctor until instructed otherwise.  The second eye also should also be carefully examined and the retina treated if necessary.