Can a Posterior Vitreous Detachment Cause Pain?

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Question:
I have posterior vitreous detachment and sometimes I have pain in my eye—Is that normal?       

Answer:
A posterior vitreous detachment is normal in most eyes—as we age, the vitreous gel inside our eyes begins to liquefy and as it does this, it may pull away from its attachments to the retina and optic nerve leaving a large floater in your visual pathway.  However, as there are no pain-sensing nerves in the vitreous cavity, no pain comes from this issue. Please have your ophthalmologist evaluate the pain issue as it can be a sign of inflammation, infection, or just dryness on the surface of the eye.

Answered by: Jeffrey Whitman, MD

Categories: Eye Conditions

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