Introduction
When the vitreous humor (also known as vitreous fluid) in the eye transforms from a thick vitreous gel to a thin liquid material, it is said to have undergone vitreous degeneration. The vitreous humor is typically a clear gel that aids in preserving the shape of the eye and clarity of vision. In old age, the vitreous humor can separate from the retina, and the vitreous gel may begin to shrink and take on more of a liquid quality. This will prevent the vitreous humor from filling the space of the eye. As this occurs, the fibers tying the vitreous humor to the retina will begin to separate.
What Is the Cause of Vitreous Degeneration?
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Most people get vitreous degeneration as they age naturally. Early in childhood, the vitreous gel degenerates; by age 18, a tiny portion has liquefied and shrunk.
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However, the bulk of the vitreous gel will continue to have a gel-like consistency until age 50, when the degeneration process will start again. Growing older is the primary factor.
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Intermediate and posterior uveitis is inflammation of the anterior vitreous, ciliary body, and retina caused by various conditions such as infections, autoimmune diseases, or tumors.
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Vitreous hemorrhage is blood in the vitreous cavity due to trauma or blood vessel abnormalities in the eyes.
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When posterior vitreous detachment occurs, the structure of the eye is permanently altered.
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The vitreous humor will remain separate from the top of the retina and the optic nerve while maintaining its new, thinner liquid condition.
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Usually, the symptoms go away after three months.
What Are the Symptoms and Significances of Vitreous Degeneration?
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Initially, vitreous floaters, which resemble tiny cobwebs in the field of vision, are the most typical signs of moderate vitreous degeneration.
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A posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) can occur in some people with substantial degeneration. A posterior vitreous detachment completely separates the vitreous humor from the retina.
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Aging, severe myopia, recent eye surgery, and eye trauma are all risk factors for PVD. PVD can cause flashes of light and increase floaters, albeit it seldom results in visual loss.
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A blood artery can rupture due to posterior vitreous detachment, resulting in a vitreous hemorrhage (blood in the vitreous cavity). Flashes and floaters in the field of vision are symptoms of a vitreous hemorrhage.
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Blood in the visual field may result in some vision loss.
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Retinal tears or retinal detachment can also result from vitreous degeneration.
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The vitreous humor fibers pulling away from the retina can cause a torn retina. Flashes and floaters suddenly becoming more frequent may signify a retinal rupture or detachment.
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Complete retinal detachment may happen if the damaged retina is not treated immediately.
How Is Vitreous Degeneration Diagnosed?
The skilled ophthalmologist should do a thorough dilated eye exam if vitreous degeneration is suspected. The ophthalmologist first examines the front of the eye during this examination, after which eye drops are used to enlarge the pupils and provide the ophthalmologist with a clearer view of the retina and vitreous humor within the eyes. For around four to six hours after the pupil-dilating effects of the eye drops wear off, vision may be blurry. As a result, patients are advised not to drive alone after having their eyes dilated and to be accompanied by family members or carers. After a dilated eye test, patients can wear sunglasses to reduce light sensitivity.
How Is Vitreous Degeneration Treated?
There are no particular therapies available for vitreous degeneration at the moment. Symptoms usually get easier to live with. After a few months, most individuals get used to the floaters and do not believe they are a problem. The flashes and floaters associated with PVD often disappear with time, and most patients rarely need therapy.
To enable the blood to settle in the eye after a vitreous hemorrhage brought on by PVD, it is advised that the patient keep their head elevated above their heart. Within a few days, the bleeding from the eye should start to subside. Significant vitreous floaters, retinal tears, and a complete retinal detachment are all treatable conditions. Any vitreous floaters may be treated with laser vitrectomy surgery.
A laser is used to heal the retina during a vitrectomy, which removes the vitreous humor and replaces it with another fluid. This procedure is only for people with giant floaters that have persisted for over six months. A vitrectomy can treat both a retinal tear and a retinal detachment, which calls for emergency medical attention.
Treatments are primarily based on the following symptoms and severity:
1. Non-severe Vitreous Degeneration:
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Since vitreous degeneration seldom threatens vision and most patients eventually experience a resolution of their symptoms, no special treatment is often required. Most patients stop noticing floaters or flashes.
2. Tear in The Retina With Vitreous Degeneration:
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Depending on the severity of the retinal tear, laser surgery, and cryopexy are the significant therapies for vitreous degeneration associated with a tear.
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During laser surgery or photocoagulation, a laser beam is sent through the pupil into the eye, generating burns around the retinal tear and scarring that, in most cases, weld the retina to the underlying tissue.
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A scar is created via Cryopexy, which uses a freezing probe to apply pressure to the eye's outer surface exactly over the tear.
3. Other Eye Conditions:
- If the underlying reasons for vitreous degeneration are linked to other eye illnesses, those conditions must be addressed and treated first vitreous degeneration brought on by other eye conditions.
- Even though this issue can affect younger people with significant risk factors, those over 50 are most frequently impacted since increasing age is the most prevalent cause of vitreous degeneration. To receive quick and effective treatment before the situation worsens, it is imperative to seek immediate medical assistance from a qualified ophthalmologist if warning signs and symptoms of vitreous degeneration are identified.
Conclusion
Most people experience the natural process of vitreous degeneration as they become older. The vitreous gel will liquefy and contract. Small, cobweb-like floaters appear, which often become less uncomfortable with time. It is advised that a doctor do a dilated eye exam to detect vitreous degeneration and check for any problems. Potential problems associated with vitreous degeneration include posterior vitreous separation, vitreous hemorrhage, retinal rupture, and retinal detachment. Although no particular therapy for vitreous degeneration exists, patients can reduce vitreous floaters with a laser vitrectomy procedure.
