Post vitreous detachment (PVD)
A posterior vitreous detachment is a separation of the vitreous gel from the inner back wall of the eye and is usually associated with floaters and flashing lights. Liquefaction of the vitreous gel is usually an age related change that continues until the vitreous separates from the retina to which it is loosely attached. The vast majority of PVDs do not cause problems except annoying floaters and sometimes brief flashes of light. Improvement in symptoms is usually seen within a few months. Occasionally retinal tears can occur from a PVD. Retinal tears can lead to a detached retina if the retina tear is not treated. There is no way to tell if a PVD caused a retinal tear so if someone has symptoms of a PVD, they need a prompt dilated retinal exam.