A Guide to Posterior Vitreous Detachment

A GUIDE TO POSTERIOR VITREOUS DETACHMENT

The vitreous is the clear jelly substance which fills the main cavity of the eyeball, and it is attached to the retina.

As people get older changes can occur in the vitreous which can cause POSTERIOR VITREOUS DETACHMENT, and the gel separates from the retina. This occurs in about 75% of all those over 65 years of age.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
You may notice black floaters appearing in your vision, which move as you move your eye, and then settles as the eye rests.

You may also be aware of flashing lights at the outer edge of your vision. The appearance of the eye will be normal.

TREATMENT
There is no treatment to be given for posterior vitreous detachment. You may resume your normal daily activities.

The floaters may disappear, but this could take several weeks, or the brain will gradually adapt to the floaters and be able to ignore them. They then are only noticeable in very bright light.

The flashing lights should settle after a few weeks.

Retinal detachment occurs when layers of the retinal start to separate.

If you notice any of the following……

• A sudden increase in the number of floaters
• Any new floaters
• A portion of your vision is missing.
• A ‘curtain’ coming across your vision.

You must seek medical advice immediately via your Opticians, G.P. or the Accident & Emergency Department.

POSTERIOR VITREOUS DETACHMENT

RNIB Helpline:
Tel: 0845 766 999
Email: Helpline@rnib.org.uk

If your symptoms or condition worsens, or if you are concerned about anything, please call your GP, 111, or 999.

Patient Experience
We know that being admitted to hospital can be a difficult and unsettling time for you and your loved ones. If you have any questions or concerns, please do speak with a member of staff on the ward or in the relevant department who will do their best to answer your questions and reassure you. 

Feedback
Feedback is really important and useful to us – it can tell us where we are working well and where improvements can be made. There are lots of ways you can share your experience with us including completing our Friends and Family Test – cards are available and can be posted on all wards, departments and clinics at our hospitals. We value your comments and feedback and thank you for taking the time to share this with us.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
If you have any concerns or questions about your care, we advise you to talk with the nurse in charge or the department manager in the first instance as they are best placed to answer any questions or resolve concerns quickly. If the relevant member of staff is unable to help resolve your concern, you can contact the PALS Team. We offer informal help, advice or support about any aspect of hospital services & experiences.

Our PALS team will liaise with the various departments in our hospitals on your behalf, if you feel unable to do so, to resolve your problems and where appropriate refer to outside help.

If you are still unhappy you can contact the Complaints Department, who can investigate your concerns. You can make a complaint orally, electronically or in writing and we can advise and guide you through the complaints procedure.

How to contact PALS:
Telephone Patient Services: 0300 123 1732 or via email at: wah-tr.PALS@nhs.net

Opening times:
The PALS telephone lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.00pm. Please be aware that you may need to leave a voicemail message, but we aim to return your call within one working day.

If you are unable to understand this leaflet, please communicate with a member of staff.  

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