Posterior Vitreous Detachment: Symptoms, Risks, and What You Need to Know

When you start seeing new floaters or sudden flashes in your vision, it’s often posterior vitreous detachment, a natural aging process where the gel-like vitreous humor pulls away from the retina. Also known as PVD, it’s not dangerous on its own—but it can be a warning sign for something serious. Nearly half of all people over 65 experience it, and it’s even more common in people who are nearsighted or have had eye surgery.

The vitreous humor, the clear, jelly-like substance that fills the space between the lens and the retina slowly shrinks and becomes stringy as we age. When it tugs loose from the back of the eye, it can create shadows you see as floaters, or pull on the retina just enough to trigger flashes of light. These symptoms usually fade over weeks or months, but if they come on suddenly or get worse, you need an eye exam right away. That’s because the same force that causes posterior vitreous detachment can also tear the retina—a condition that, if ignored, can lead to permanent vision loss.

People often confuse PVD with retinal detachment, but they’re not the same. Posterior vitreous detachment is common and usually harmless. A retinal tear or detachment is rare but urgent. The key difference? Flashes and floaters from PVD don’t come with a dark curtain over your vision or sudden loss of peripheral sight. If you notice those, don’t wait—get to an eye doctor immediately. Most cases of PVD don’t need treatment, but your eye doctor will check for underlying damage during a dilated exam. That’s why even if symptoms seem mild, skipping the visit is risky.

You’ll find real stories and clear explanations below about what causes these symptoms, how often they lead to bigger problems, and what steps actually matter for protecting your vision. Some posts cover how medications affect eye health, others explain warning signs you can’t afford to ignore, and a few break down how aging changes your eyes in ways you might not realize. This isn’t just about floaters—it’s about knowing when your eyes are sending you a signal you need to act on.