Vitreous detachment is a medical condition where the vitreous humor, a gel-like substance in the eye, separates from the retina. The phonetic transcription for this condition is /ˈvɪtriəs/ /dɪˈtætʃmənt/. "Vitreous" begins with the voiced dental fricative /ð/ followed by the unvoiced dental plosive /t/. "Detachment" contains the voiced velar plosive /g/ and the unvoiced dental fricative /θ/. Correct spelling of medical terms is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment, and this pronunciation guide helps clarify the spelling of vitreous detachment.
Vitreous detachment, also known as posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), is a medical condition characterized by the separation of the vitreous gel from the retina in the eye. The vitreous gel is a clear, jelly-like substance that fills the space between the lens and the retina, providing structural support to the eye.
During the natural aging process, the vitreous gel tends to liquefy and shrink, leading to its detachment from the retina. Vitreous detachment is a common occurrence in older adults and is usually benign, although it can cause certain symptoms.
The most common symptom of vitreous detachment is the sudden onset of floaters, which are tiny specks or cobweb-like structures that appear in the field of vision. These floaters are actually small clumps of collagen fibers that were once part of the vitreous gel. Additionally, individuals may experience flashes of light, which can be described as brief flickers or lightning-like streaks.
Vitreous detachment can occur spontaneously and is generally harmless, without any long-term vision loss or complications. However, in some cases, the separation of the vitreous gel from the retina can lead to complications such as retinal tears or detachments. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or if a sudden increase in floaters or flashes of light is experienced.
Treatment for vitreous detachment typically involves monitoring the condition and managing any associated symptoms. In rare cases, when complications are present, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair the retina and prevent further vision problems.
The word "vitreous detachment" is derived from Latin and Old French.
The term "vitreous" comes from the Latin word "vitrium", which means "glass". It is used to refer to the transparent jelly-like substance that fills the central cavity of the eye, known as the vitreous humor.
The word "detachment" comes from the Old French word "detachier", which means "to unfasten" or "to separate". It is used to describe the condition where the vitreous humor becomes separated or detached from the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye.
Therefore, the word "vitreous detachment" literally means the separation or detachment of the vitreous humor from the retina.