Due to a lack of consistency in methods of monitoring acute posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), researchers recently conducted a retrospective analysis—presented this week at ARVO’s virtual 2021 conference—hypothesizing that certain factors are associated with greater incidence of complications. They also examined the rate of delayed complications up to six months after initial presentation.

A case-controlled study of 9,635 eyes with symptoms present for no more than four weeks prior to diagnosis were followed. Outcome measures included rate of development of vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment or retinal tear at initial presentation, three months and six months following initial presentation.

At initial presentation, 1,172 eyes had retinal tears and 299 eyes had detachments. By the six-month follow-up, 295 eyes developed tears and 104 eyes developed detachments. Among those with a tear, 61% occurred within one month after presentation, 28.5% within one to three months and 10.5% within three to six months. Among those with a detachment, 48% occurred in the first month, 35.6% within one to three months and 16.3% within three to six months.

Men were more likely to have a detachment at presentation and within six months of presentation, as well as phakic eyes compared to pseudophakic eyes were more likely to develop retinal breaks at presentation and within six months of presentation. They were also more likely to have a detachment at initial presentation.

In addition to males, phakic eyes and peripheral retinal degeneration being associated with increased incidence of complications, the authors noted several complications were also recorded up to six months following initial presentation, warranting appropriate counseling and consideration for repeat examination even up to six months after initial presentation, they say.