vitreous syneresis

Vitreous Syneresis: A Description

Vitreous syneresis refers to a process in which the vitreous body, a clear gel-like substance in the eye, undergoes a change that creates pockets of liquid and spaces within it. This process is also known as liquefaction or syneresis of the central vitreous.

Characteristics:

• The vitreous becomes more fluid or liquid-like, leading to movement of the entire vitreous fluid.
• Pockets of fluid form in the vitreous cavity, which can cause pulling on the retina.
• The vitreous is mostly composed of water and contains strands of collagen.

Causes:

• As people age, the vitreous undergoes syneresis due to a process called "syneresis," where it becomes more fluid or liquid-like.
• This change can lead to problems such as eye floaters, which are small spots that appear in front of one's vision.

Effects:

• Vitreous syneresis can cause the jelly-like vitreous to pull away from the surface of the retina, leading to symptoms like flashing lights.
• In some cases, it may lead to posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), a condition where the vitreous separates from the retina.

Prevalence:

• The vast majority of patients with eye floaters have a benign condition known as vitreous syneresis.
• This condition is relatively common and usually does not require treatment, but in some cases, it may lead to more serious complications.

References:

[1] - As one ages, the vitreous undergoes "syneresis," in which it becomes more fluid or liquid-like. (Search result 1) [2] - Syneresis leads to movement of the entire vitreous fluid, and pulling on the retina ensues. (Search result 2) [3] - The initial event is liquefaction and syneresis of the central vitreous. A rupture develops in the posterior hyaloid (or vitreous cortex). (Search result 3) [4] - As you age, the gel-like vitreous liquifies — a process known as vitreous syneresis — and has the potential to cause problems like eye floaters. (Search result 4) [5] - Vitreous Syneresis: This term refers to the process wherein the vitreous body contracts, creating pockets of liquid and spaces within the ... (Search result 5)

Vitreous Syneresis Signs and Symptoms

Vitreous syneresis, a natural process that occurs as we age, can cause various signs and symptoms in the eye. The most common complaints include:

• Eye Floaters: Small dark spots or squiggly lines that float across your vision [4][10]
• Flashes of Light (Photopsias): Brief flashes of light, often described as a camera flash going off repeatedly in the peripheral vision [1][5][13]
• Change in Pattern of Floaters: A sudden increase in or change in the pattern of floaters [9]

These symptoms typically occur suddenly and can persist for days. In most cases, they are associated with posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), a condition where the vitreous gel separates from the retina.

Additional Symptoms

In some cases, patients may experience additional symptoms, including:

• Entoptic Phenomena: Other visual disturbances such as seeing shapes or patterns that are not actually there [5][9]
• New Onset of Floaters and Flashes: A sudden increase in floaters and flashes, which can be a sign of retinal disease [3]

It's essential to note that these symptoms do not necessarily require specific treatment. However, patients should be cautious and watch for more serious symptoms suggestive of retinal disease.

References

[1] Context result 1 [2] Context result 11 [3] Context result 3 [4] Context result 10 [5] Context result 5 [9] Context result 9 [13] Context result 13

Diagnostic Tests for Vitreous Syneresis

Vitreous syneresis, also known as floaters, can be diagnosed through a combination of clinical examination and imaging tests.

• Clinical Examination: A thorough eye examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist is essential to diagnose vitreous syneresis. The doctor will look for signs such as:
  • Floaters: mobile spots that appear on the visual field and move with eye movement [7].
  • Flashes of light: sudden, brief flashes of light in the visual field [6].
  • Changes in visual acuity or visual field: any changes in vision or peripheral vision [5].
• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests can be used to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. These include:
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI is often used in eye care for identification of neurological disorders, but may also assist in diagnosis of vitreous syneresis [4].
  • Ultrasound: Ultrasound can be invaluable in cases where vitreous hemorrhage or dense cataracts preclude a good retinal exam. Look for a waving/flapping pattern in the vitreous gel [8].

Additional Tests

In some cases, additional tests may be necessary to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. These include:

• Retinal Exam: A thorough examination of the retina is essential to rule out retinal detachment or other conditions.
• Vitreous Opacities: Dynamic ultra-widefield infrared confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy can be used to describe the appearance of vitreous opacities [9].

References

[1] Oct 20, 2024 — Vitrectomy can be considered for non-clearing vitreous hemorrhage, or vision threatening pathology. [2] by F Ahmed · 2023 · Cited by 13 — Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) is the separation of the posterior vitreous cortex and the internal limiting membrane of the retina and is the most common ... [3] Nov 17, 2014 — A posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) is defined as the separation of the posterior hyaloid face from the neurosensory retina. [4] Magnetic resonance imaging. MRI is often used in eye care for identification of neurological disorders, but may also assist in diagnosis of vitreous ... [5] Diagnosis and Tests​​ If you have posterior vitreous detachment symptoms, you should visit an eye care specialist (ophthalmologist or optometrist) right away. An ... [6] Key examination features include the nature of the flashes and floaters, whether one or both eyes are affected and changes in visual acuity or visual field. [7] Aug 14, 2024 — The so-called floaters (vitreous syneresis in medical terms) are mobile spots that appear on the visual field and move with eye movement. [8] Sometimes vitreous hemorrhage or dense cataracts preclude a good retinal exam. In these instances, ultrasound can be invaluable. Look for a waving/flapping ... [9] by G Garcia-Aguirre · 2022 · Cited by 16 — Purpose: To describe the appearance of vitreous opacities using dynamic ultra-widefield infrared confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy ...

Vitreous syneresis, also known as posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), is a natural process that occurs as we age, where the vitreous gel in the eye liquefies and separates from the retina. While there are no specific drug treatments for vitreous syneresis, medications may be necessary to control underlying conditions leading to vitreous hemorrhage or retinal disease [6].

However, it's essential to note that vitrectomy surgery is usually considered for severe cases of vitreous syneresis, where the floaters are dense and symptomatic. In these patients, removing the floaters via vitrectomy surgery can result in complete resolution of symptoms [7].

There are no medical therapies recommended specifically for vitreous syneresis. Medical follow-up is usually advised to rule out retinal breaks or other complications [9]. Some medications may be used to control underlying conditions, but these are not a direct treatment for vitreous syneresis.

It's worth noting that some studies have explored the use of intravitreal injections, such as ocriplasmin, to induce liquefaction of the vitreous. However, these treatments are still being researched and are not widely available [3].

In summary, while there are no specific drug treatments for vitreous syneresis, medications may be used to control underlying conditions, and in severe cases, vitrectomy surgery may be considered.

References: [3] by F Ahmed · 2023 · Cited by 13 — The effective dose of ocriplasmin is 125 mcg intravitreal injection.[49] [6] Medications recommended by your eye-care professional may be necessary to control underlying conditions leading to vitreous hemorrhage or retinal disease. [7] In these patients it is possible to remove the floaters via vitrectomy surgery. This usually results in complete resolution of symptoms. [9] General treatment. Observation with strict retinal detachment precautions and follow up exam to rule out retinal breaks.

Vitreous Syneresis Differential Diagnosis

Vitreous syneresis, also known as vitreous floaters, can be caused by various conditions that affect the vitreous gel in the eye. The differential diagnosis for vitreous syneresis includes:

• Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD): A condition where the vitreous gel separates from the retina, causing symptoms such as flashes and floaters [1].
• Retinal Tear or Retinal Detachment: A serious sight-threatening condition that can cause sudden onset of flashes and floaters [2].
• Vitreous Inflammation (Infectious and Non-Infectious): Inflammation of the vitreous gel, which can be caused by various conditions such as uveitis or endophthalmitis [3].
• Vitreous Hemorrhage: Bleeding into the vitreous gel, which can cause sudden onset of flashes and floaters [4].

It's essential to note that these conditions require prompt medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen over time.

References:

[1] Context 2 [3] Context 13 [4] Context 9