Vitreous degeneration

A simple topic on vitreous degeneration.

1. Vitreous Degeneration M.AYYANPERUMAL B.Sc. Optometry

2. Vitreous Vitreous is the gel-like substance that fills the inside of the eye behind the lens I t helped maintain the shape of the eye Vitreous also contains fibers that attach surface of the retina

3. What is Vitreous Degeneration ? - V itreous begins to liquefy and shrink . Then the fibers can pull on the retina. - Vitreous degeneration results in floaters. - S mall moving dots or wispy gray spots or lines. - The final stage of vitreous degeneration occurs - posterior vitreous detachment( PVD )

4. Vitreous many fibers are attached to retina of the eye . Healthy vitreous is transparent - degenerative - opacities and clumps in this, floaters These floaters - dark black or grey spots or lines roving with the movement of eye in the field of vision Patients complain - strands of hair, flies, cobwebs, letter C etc . in their vision since floaters - shadows on retina A dvanced stage, mark as round shadow on retina B lood or inflammatory debris inside the vitreous look like floaters .

5. Types of Vitreous Degeneration 1 .Benign Vitreous Floaters or Vitreous Detachment 2 .Symptomatic Vitreous Floaters or Vitreous Opacities : 3 .Degenerative Vitreous Syndrome / DVS

6. 1. Benign Vitreous Floaters or Vitreous Detachment I t’s starting phase, Associated with aging. Vitreous become stringy and shrinks As it often occurs on posterior wall - posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). It appears as spots, strands, cobwebs or dark shadows etc. P articles and fibers moving in vitreous that emit its shadow on the retinal wall . It’s no permanent effect - weeks to months. It’s does not affect the vision.

7. Symptomatic Vitreous Floaters or Vitreous Opacities F loaters present with symptoms M ultiple dark colored floaters present in vitreous gel F lashes of lights present - floaters. Further progress - retinal detachment . S ometimes it is vitreous hemorrhage or some kind of inflammation .

8. Degenerative Vitreous Syndrome / DVS M ostly seen in elders of 50 years or above P ersistent form of this disorder that severely affects the vision C omplain about routine work like reading, driving and other skills required to see Blinking of eyes , Rubbing or moving head from side

9. Causes of Vitreous Degeneration Advancing again - Mostly affected patients are 50 years or above, while few cases of 40 years and above had also been reported . Eye trauma or any inflammation in eyes - formation of floaters. Myopia or near sightedness . Patients of myopia may experience these degenerative changes at an early age. Cataract surgery  or previously done any laser treatment or surgery of eye may also increase the risk of formation of floaters in some people.

10. Treatment of Vitreous Degeneration Floater:  Need no treatment Sudden Increase In Floater:  Full eye examination is required. Treatment then depends on severity. Floaters with Flashes of Light:  Comprehensive dilated eye examination should be done by expert. If it suggests early retinal tear, Laser therapy may be beneficial Retinal Detachment:  Surgery - Vitrectomy is advised.

11.   Vitrectomy -- Remove the vitreous gel Complications after operation . Cataract Retinal detachment High pressure pain inside eye. Mostly in patients of Glaucoma. Hemorrhage Inflammation and infection in eyes

12. Post-Surgery Recovery Period for Vitreous Degeneration After Surgery for - successful and relieves patient thoroughly . Recovery is quick - healing period of few weeks, proper rest while scars heal and vision improves . After one to two weeks the patient may return to normal activities. Increase in altitude, climbing, adventure sports and travelling avoided during the initial one or two weeks . Abnormal signs or symptoms must be reported immediately.

13. Thank you