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Posterior vitreous detachment

In vitreous detachment, the gel inside the eye pulls away from the retina as part of ageing. This is often a normal process, but a retinal tear may occur as it separates. New flashes of light, a sudden increase in moving spots or a dark curtain therefore need assessment by an ophthalmologist or urgent eye service the same day. Only an eye examination with dilated pupils can reliably rule out a retinal tear.

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  • The vitreous is the transparent gel inside the eye. With ageing, it becomes more liquid, shrinks and often eventually separates from the retina.
  • New moving spots and flashes fit posterior vitreous detachment, but a retinal tear may cause the same symptoms.
  • A retinal tear may progress to retinal detachment. Prompt detection and treatment can help prevent permanent sight loss.
  • Have new flashes or floaters examined with dilated pupils the same day. A shadow, curtain, shower of black specks or reduced vision makes this especially urgent.

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Further reading

Browse A–Z
R
Retinal detachmentIn retinal detachment, the light-sensitive retina separates from the layer beneath it. New flashes, many floaters or a dark curtain need emergency eye care the same day.
F
Floaters (mouches volantes)Floaters are moving dots, threads or clouds in your vision. They are often harmless, but a sudden increase in spots, flashes of light or a curtain across your vision may indicate a retinal tear.
U
UveitisUveitis is inflammation inside the eye that can cause pain, redness, light sensitivity, floaters and reduced vision. Some forms cause few symptoms but still threaten sight. A newly painful red eye or a sudden increase in floaters with blurred vision needs same-day eye examination; never use corticosteroid eye drops on your own initiative.