What are the signs of a posterior vitreous detachment?
Floaters
Many patients will begin to notice small black spots that move when their eye moves. This typically improves gradually over several weeks, but some floaters generally persist for many months.
Flashing Lights
These lights are white arc shaped lights which are in the outside corner of the visual field. They are most prominent when in the dark and are so fast patients wonder if they were even there.
Veil
Patients complain of an area of their peripheral vision that is dark or black, similar to a curtain coming down at a play. This is a sign of a retinal detachment.
"Spider webs"
Patients may notice what appears to be a web or net, which moves when their eye moves. This represents the back face of the vitreous, and typically improves gradually over weeks to months.
Bleeding
Patients will notice many black spots that move when their eye moves. It is typically worse in the morning. There is a high risk of a retinal tear.