Posterior Vitreous Separation
It’s common to see faint objects resembling dots, lines, cobwebs or bits of seaweed floating in front of either of your eyes. They are referred to as floaters. Sometimes you may even experience intermittent flashing lights for several moments. These symptoms may signify posterior vitreous separation.
Vitreous Separation
This condition is fairly common and occurs when the vitreous gel in the interior of the eye pulls away from the retina. Generally, this can be harmless, but sometimes some strands of vitreous can tug on the retina and lead to tiny holes within the peripheral retina.
If left alone, these holes can sometimes lead to retinal detachment. That’s why your ophthalmologist will search for retinal holes during your examination. If any are found, they can be sealed with the laser before they cause long term trouble.
The eye will also be rechecked at a follow-up visit two to three months later. By this time most of the retinal traction will have settled.
Changes in symptoms
It’s also important that you monitor your own condition, and report back sooner than if you notice any change in symptoms such as the following:
- An increase in the number of floaters
- The appearance of flashing lights or an increase in the number or intensity of flashing lights
- Loss of peripheral vision. You can check this by looking straight ahead at one spot with your good eye closed. Move your free hand above, below, to the left and to the right of where you’re looking.
Simulation of floaters
New floaters and flashing lights can indicate the presence of posterior vitreous detachment
A retinal tear can occur at the time of or for several months after the vitreous detachment occurs.
Fluid from behind the gel can enter the retinal tear or break which can often then result in lifting of the retina from the wall of the eye. Prevention of retinal detachment can be the timely application of laser around the tear.
We pride ourselves in high level of patient care, aiming to provide each patient with individualised attention from your first consultation and well beyond your eye surgery recovery.
WORKING HOURS
ASHFIELD EYE CLINIC
Located conveniently in the centre of Ashfield (opposite the Holden Street entrance to Ashfield Mall), the clinic is only 5 minutes from the train station.
Ground Floor, 2 Holden St
Ashfield, Sydney, NSW 2131
Ashfield Eye Clinic is a well-established laser eye surgery practice in Sydney's Inner West suburb, and conveniently accessible from Sydney CBD by train.