Dilated retinal examination
Dilating drops allow careful examination of the peripheral retina for a tear, bleeding or early detachment.
Urgent retinal assessment
Posterior Vitreous Detachment & Retinal Tears
Careful peripheral retinal examination for new flashes, floaters and suspected retinal tears.
Specialist care · Advanced technology
PVD & retinal tears
Understanding the condition
Clear information for confident decisions.
Posterior vitreous detachment is a common age-related separation of the vitreous gel from the retina. Most cases do not require treatment, but an associated retinal tear must be identified promptly because it can progress to retinal detachment.
01Common presentationNew flashes and floaters
02Key examinationDilated peripheral retinal check
03TreatmentObservation or tear-sealing treatment
04PriorityNew symptoms need prompt review
Symptoms
What you may notice.
Symptoms vary between people, and some conditions cause no early warning. A specialist examination is needed for an accurate diagnosis.
01
A sudden increase in floaters
02
Flashes or arcs of light, often at the side of vision
03
Cobweb-like shadows moving with the eye
04
Blurred vision if bleeding is present
Causes and risk factors
What may increase your risk.
Having a risk factor does not confirm the condition. Your history and examination are considered together.
01Increasing age
02Short-sightedness
03Previous cataract or eye surgery
04Eye trauma
05A previous tear or detachment in either eye
Assessment01 02 03 04
How it is diagnosed.
Retinal imaging
Photography or OCT may document associated findings, although a peripheral examination remains important.
Ocular ultrasound
Ultrasound may be used when bleeding or another opacity prevents a clear view of the retina.
Personalised care planning
Findings are explained in context so the recommended next step reflects your eyes, health and visual needs.
Aftercare
Recovery and follow-up.
01
Follow the timing of review recommended after an acute PVD.
02
Report any increase in flashes or floaters, a curtain or worsening vision immediately.
03
After laser or cryotherapy, follow activity and review instructions provided by the treating team.
04
Keep scheduled follow-up so healing and treatment response can be assessed.
Common questions
Answers with clarity.
These answers are general. Your own care plan may differ after examination.
01Does every PVD need treatment?+
No. Many PVDs are observed, but a prompt dilated examination is important to exclude a retinal tear.
02Can a retinal tear be treated before detachment?+
Many suitable retinal tears can be sealed with laser or cryotherapy. Treatment choice depends on the tear and surrounding retina.
03Why might I need another examination?+
A tear can occasionally develop after the first assessment, so follow-up and urgent return precautions are important.
04Will my care plan be individual?+
Yes. The recommendations, timing and follow-up are based on your examination, imaging, general health and visual priorities.