PVD
Posterior Vitreous Detachment
Plain-language definition
Common age-related separation of the vitreous gel from the retina, often causing new floaters and flashes.
Where this term comes up
“Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) is a common, usually benign condition where the vitreous gel that fills the eye separates from the retina.”
Condition · Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)
“Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) - when the vitreous gel separates from the retina - is the most common cause of new floaters in adults over 50”
Guide · What About Floaters and Flashes?
“Assess posterior vitreous detachment (PVD)”
Test · B-Scan Ultrasound
- Category
- Condition, finding, or disease process
- Also written as
- No alternate forms listed.
Pathology terms describe diseases, tissue changes, exam findings, or complications that can affect vision or eye comfort.
Related glossary terms
- vitreous
Eye's Internal Gel
- hemorrhage
Bleeding
- OCT
Optical Coherence Tomography
- vitrectomy
Surgery to Remove Vitreous Gel
- fundus
Back of the Eye
- macula
Central Retina
A note on medical context
A glossary definition can explain a word, but it cannot tell you whether a symptom or test result is serious. If this term came from an article, use the full article and your clinician's guidance for context.