What is the vitreous?
The inside of the eyeball is filled with a jelly-like substance that has the consistency of egg white, and is crystal clear. The vitreous is important during the fetal development of the eye. After birth, there is no obvious role or function of the vitreous, and it can be removed surgically without harming the eye. The vitreous gel is normally adherent or “stuck” to the retina. What is a Posterior Vitreous Detachment or Separation? At some point in life, the vitreous gel may become more “watery”, or undergo a process known as syneresis. When the vitreous gel liquefies, its structure collapses, and it separates or pulls away from the retina. This event is known as a posterior vitreous detachment, and it is quite common. It occurs in most people by the age of 60 years. This vitreous separation may be may be induced by severe trauma, such as a direct punch to the eye. They also tend to occur in very nearsighted individuals at a younger age. When the vitreous separates, or pulls away from
