The Prevalence Of Posterior Vitreous Detachment ‐ A Prospective Study In An Optometric Patient population

Abstract

Background. Although optometrists are familiar with the acute posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), there is little evidence on the prevalence and clinical significance of this condition in optometric practice. Methods. A prospective study of 1600 consecutively presenting optometric patients was conducted in order to estimate the prevalence of PVD during examination where mydriasis was carried out only on indication rather than routinely. Results. PVD was seen in 349 eyes (10.9 per cent). There was a clear increase in prevalence of PVD with age, peaking at nearly 46 per cent of eyes in the ninth decade. PVD was seen statistically more commonly in women (12.4 per cent) than men (8.7 per cent) (P=O.OOl), although acute PVD developed slightly more commonly in men. Acute PVD was seen in 10 eyes of 10 patients, representing a prevalence of 0.6 per cent (1 per cent of patients over 40 years of age). There were no new cases of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and only one new case of a retinal tear, which was asymptomatic. Conclusion. These prevalence data confirm an autopsy study in showing that PVD is common, increases in prevalence with age and is more common in women. The clinical study identified PVD at about 80 per cent of the rate at autopsy. It suggests that most cases of PVD can be detected at routine examination with undilated pupils. However PVD occurs at a very high rate in older eyes and should be sought or evaluated when new symptoms, especially those suggesting vitreo-retinal traction, are given by the patient.(Clin EXp Optom 1993; 76 1: 8–16)