2. Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)

The vitreous is the jelly that fills the back of the eye, similar to egg-white inside an egg. A posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) occurs when this jelly separates off the retina (the nerve tissue lining the back of the eye). It is very common to develop a PVD with age. It can present with flashes and floaters and is painless. Often it is not dangerous, but it is important to get an eye check to ensure there are no retinal tears or detachment (see the videos on retinal tears and retinal detachment).