Posterior vitreous detachment
At birth, the vitreous humor adheres to the retina, and at some point in life, in a physiological, i.e. normal, way, the vitreous spontaneously detaches, known as posterior vitreous detachment.
Symptoms
Posterior vitreous detachment is responsible for the formation of small peripheral sparks and, definitively, flying flies known as myodesopsia.
These are vitreous opacities that interpose themselves between the light and the retina, projecting gray shadows in the shape of hairs or flakes.
They move with the gaze, and are best seen against a light background.
These floating bodies do not cause any loss of visual acuity, but they do cause varying degrees of discomfort.
This physiological phenomenon, which is not serious, is constantly observed from the age of 70 onwards, but some patients may consult us as early as the age of 20, particularly if they are myopic.
Since vitreous detachment can be the cause of retinal detachment, patients should have their fundus checked to ensure that there is no danger.
Treatment
The periphery of the retina should be examined to ensure that the vitreous has not torn the retina when it detached. If a tear is present, Argon laser treatment will prevent retinal detachment secondary to vitreous detachment.
In very rare cases, YAG laser treatment (vitreolysis) can be used to “cut out” the troublesome condensation without entering the eye.
Vitrectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the vitreous, is performed only in exceptional cases.