From vitreous detachment to retinal tear

Dr Moïse Tourabaly · Key points

From vitreous detachment to retinal tear

The vitreous is the clear gel that fills the eye, between the lens and the retina. With age, it becomes more liquid and eventually comes away from the retina.

In young adults, the vitreous gel is firm and adheres to the surface of the retina.

With age, the gel becomes more liquid and then separates from the retina: this is vitreous detachment, very common and usually benign. It can cause floaters and flashes of light.

More rarely, the vitreous pulls on the retina hard enough to tear it. Caught in time, a tear is treated with laser; if neglected, it can progress to a retinal detachment.

Warning signs

a sudden shower of floaters
flashes of light that become more frequent
a dark veil or curtain, a fixed shadow at the side
a sudden drop in vision

See an ophthalmologist the same day or, failing that, go to eye emergency services. Only an examination of the back of the eye with dilated pupils can tell the benign form from the at-risk form.

Educational diagram · Dr Moïse Tourabaly, ophthalmologist. It does not replace a consultation.