Vitreous opacification is the process by which the vitreous body of the eye goes from being clear to cloudy. Since the opacification of the vitreous body blocks light from reaching the retina, it may cause mild to severe vision loss. The three root causes for this condition are vitreous degeneration, systemic disease, and ocular inflammation. Deciding the treatment for vitreous opacification depends on the cause and severity of the ocular condition.
Vitreous opacification is due to the accumulation of collagen by vitreous degeneration, blood from a systemic disease (i.e. diabetes) or, white fluid from inflammation within the eye.
VITREOUS DEGENERATION
As the eyes age, the vitreous degenerates by releasing pieces of torn collagen that clump together to form floaters that can block a patient’s vision. This happens more often for patients with myopia or near sightedness. Floaters typically appear as black specs or spidery curtains to the patient and usually disappear within a year. However, the degeneration of the vitreous body can cause another condition called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). While posterior vitreous detachment can, in some cases, cause retinal detachment and retinal tears, it also worsens the opacification of the vitreous body with the addition of more pieces of torn protein. Symptoms of this specific condition include sudden flashes of light or increase in floaters.
SYSTEMETIC DISEASE
Vitreous opacification can also occur due to vitreous hemorrhage or bleeding in the vitreous body caused by a systemic disease. Certain bodily diseases damage retinal capillaries and as a result, allow them to bleed into the vitreous body. Examples of such systemic diseases include diabetes and sickle cell disease. Additionally, vitreous hemorrhage can also occur following trauma or surgery to the eye.
INFLAMMATORY DISEASE
In some cases, it is the accumulation of white cloudy fluid, due to an infection called uveitis, that is responsible for vitreous opacification. Inflammation or infection of the uvea, which includes the iris, ciliary body, choroid layer and the
vitreous body, leads to the release of white cloudy fluid into the vitreous. Uveitis is a serious condition which can lead to many complications if left untreated. Major symptoms of uveitis include the reddening of the eye, pain, floaters, and blurry vision.
Side view illustration of an eye
with an opaque vitreous body.
Side view illustration of an eye
with an opaque vitreous body
Side view illustration of an eye
with an opaque vitreous body