Floaters, flashes & PVD
A quick guide for patients
What is posterior vitreous detachment?
The vitreous is the clear jelly inside the eye. As it changes with age, it can become more liquid and separate from the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye.
What might I notice?
You may see moving dots, lines, rings or cobweb-like shapes called floaters, or flickers of light at the edges of your vision.
Why have an eye examination?
An examination helps establish the cause and check for a more serious problem. Drops may be used to enlarge the pupils; do not drive while your vision is affected.
When should I seek urgent help?
Contact your eye doctor or a hospital emergency department without delay if flashes increase, floaters become larger or more numerous, a curtain or cobweb comes over your vision, or your vision suddenly worsens. These may indicate a retinal tear.
Source: GCEO patient leaflet · PDF pages 2–4 · Page numbers include the cover.