What is it?
The vitreous is the clear gel that fills the inside of the eye. With age it becomes more liquid and can separate from the retina. Vitreous conditions include troublesome floaters, posterior vitreous detachment, bleeding into the vitreous (vitreous haemorrhage), inflammation, and traction of the vitreous on the macula.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the condition and may include floaters, flashes of light, cloudy or hazy vision, or a sudden loss of vision when there is significant bleeding.
Possible causes
Common causes include age-related changes in the gel, bleeding from abnormal vessels in diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears, retinal vein occlusion, eye injury and inflammation inside the eye.
Risk factors
Risk factors include age, high myopia, diabetes, previous eye surgery and eye injury.
Diagnosis
A dilated retinal examination is needed to find the cause. Ultrasound is useful when bleeding blocks the view of the retina, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) can show traction on the macula.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the cause. Many floaters need no treatment. Vitreous haemorrhage may be observed if the retina is attached, or treated with vitrectomy if it does not clear or if complications develop. Treating the underlying condition, such as diabetic retinopathy or a retinal tear, is essential.
When urgent evaluation may be needed
A sudden shower of new floaters, flashes of light, a shadow over your vision or a sudden loss of vision need urgent ophthalmic evaluation.
Follow-up
Follow-up depends on the underlying cause and is planned by the eye doctor.
Information on this website is educational and does not replace an in-person medical examination, diagnosis or individual medical advice.