---
title: "Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) | Eye Health Guide"
description: "What posterior vitreous detachment is, why it causes floaters and flashes with age, and why a check is needed to rule out a retinal tear."
url: https://eyehealthguide.org/conditions/posterior-vitreous-detachment/
source: Eye Health Guide
licence: "General information only. Cite the URL and the named medical reviewer."
---

Condition

# Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD)

Medical reviewer [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/mohamed-mohyudin/)· Last recorded site review July 6, 2026

### About this review

This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.

[How review works](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/) · [Official biography & credentials](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/author/mohamed-mohyudin/)

Quick answer

Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) is a common, usually harmless age-related change where the gel inside the eye separates from the retina. It causes new floaters and flashes. It is not the same as retinal detachment, but a sudden onset should be checked promptly to rule out a retinal tear.

### On this page ⌄

1. Your next step
2. What it is
3. Common symptoms
4. Causes and risk factors
5. Why a check matters
6. Related conditions
7. Related symptoms
8. Frequently asked questions

## What it is

The inside of the eye is filled with a clear gel called the vitreous. With age this gel shrinks and pulls away from the retina at the back of the eye, which is a posterior vitreous detachment. It is a normal part of ageing and usually does not threaten sight.

## Common symptoms

Symptoms often start suddenly and settle over weeks to months.

- New floaters, such as spots, threads or a cobweb
- Brief flashes of light, often to the side
- Symptoms more noticeable against bright, plain backgrounds
- Gradual settling as the brain adjusts

## Causes and risk factors

PVD is caused by age-related shrinking of the vitreous gel and is very common after middle age. It is more likely earlier if you are short-sighted or have had eye surgery or injury.

## Why a check matters

As the gel pulls away it can occasionally tear the retina, which can lead to retinal detachment. So although PVD itself is harmless, a sudden increase in floaters or flashes, or a shadow over your vision, needs a prompt eye examination to make sure the retina is intact.

## Related conditions

## Related symptoms

## Frequently asked questions

### Is posterior vitreous detachment serious?

PVD itself is usually harmless and very common with age. However, it can occasionally cause a retinal tear, so a sudden onset of floaters or flashes should be checked promptly.

### Is PVD the same as retinal detachment?

No. PVD is the harmless separation of the gel from the retina, while retinal detachment is a sight-threatening emergency. PVD can sometimes lead to a retinal tear, which is why a check is important.

### Do the floaters from PVD go away?

They often become less noticeable over weeks to months as the brain learns to ignore them, although some floaters may remain.

Your next step

## Take this to your appointment

Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment.

Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet.

## Sources for this information

These references support the information on this page. Follow the linked source for its full context.

- [National Eye Institute - Vitreous Detachment](https://www.nei.nih.gov/eye-health-information/eye-conditions-and-diseases/vitreous-detachment)