Destruction of the vitreous body

The vitreous body is a gel-like substance located between the lens of the lens and the retina of the eye. In its normal state, it is absolutely transparent and does not interfere with the image entering the retina. With DST - destruction of the vitreous body - the biochemical composition of the structure changes, compactions are formed, and coarse fibers develop instead of imperceptible fibrils. As a result, the structure loses its transparency and becomes cloudy, which affects the quality of vision.

Causes of DST

The main factor influencing the composition of the vitreous body is age. The older a person is, the higher the risk of developing pathology. The age-related cause is often aggravated by other patient conditions that accelerate the process of destruction of the vitreous body.

• injuries, penetrating eye injuries;
• inflammatory eye diseases, including PVHD, wet AMD;
• chronic diseases of the cardiovascular and metabolic systems;
• complications after eye surgery, laser coagulation;
• hormonal changes.

The transparency of the vitreous can also be affected by medications, obesity, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and working in hazardous industries.

Symptoms of vitreous destruction

Destruction is a pathology of the vitreous body, which mainly manifests itself as the body ages. Over the years, the vision begins to ripple, the quality of vision deteriorates, but due to the slow development of the process, a person practically does not notice this and gets used to his condition.

If the causes of floaters before the eyes are associated with other factors, then the process develops quickly and causes serious discomfort. This is:

• flicker in the eyes;
• dark dots that can float or remain motionless;
• strings and cobwebs constantly appearing before the eyes;
• blurred look;
• a noticeable decrease in visual acuity.

Due to the inconspicuous or generally asymptomatic development of the process, the destruction of the vitreous body does not bother a person very much, and he often consults a doctor too late, when damage affects other structures of the eye.

According to patients’ feelings, there are five degrees of DST:

• the first is spots in the eyes, small cloudings that are visible only against a plain background;
• second - the size of the opacities increases, merges into spots, visible against any background;
• third - the sensation of cloudy spots is constantly present in the eye;
• fourth - large areas of turbidity that interfere with reading and performing small work;
• fifth - a large cloudy spot in the field of vision of one eye or both, which greatly complicates reading and work.

Symptoms of vitreous destruction, especially at the initial stage of its development, do not greatly affect the patient’s quality of life. But over time, this pathology can cause serious visual impairment.

Types of DST

There are several classifications of vitreous destruction. Basically the process is divided:

1. For reasons of appearance:
   • age;
   • presence of chronic diseases;
   • inflammatory processes;
   • eye injuries;
   • effects of drugs.
2. According to the severity of the disease:
   • I degree - mild destruction of the vitreous body, when small spots appear before the eyes that do not affect the quality of vision;
   • II degree – moderate destruction, in which the vitreous thickens, becomes smaller in volume, large cloudy spots float before the eyes, interfering with reading and work;
   • III degree – severe destruction, when the internal structures of the eye rupture, retinal detachment occurs.
3. By the nature and type of pathological changes:
   • filamentous – thin fibers form in the vitreous body, usually develops with age or in the presence of myopia;
   • crystalline - mineral deposition occurs in the vitreous body;
   • granular - formations in the vitreous body are similar to rounded grains, develops if the eye is affected by an infectious-inflammatory disease.

Sometimes DST is isolated by location, when the pathological process affects only one eye.

Diagnostics of vitreous destruction

If there are any changes in the quality of vision - black spots have appeared, there is flickering in the eyes, it has become difficult to read - you should immediately make an appointment at ophthalmology clinic. First, the doctor will conduct a standard examination:

• examine the fundus;
• carry out visometry;
• measure intraocular pressure.

If there are suspicions of destruction of the vitreous body, a more accurate instrumental study will be prescribed:

• ophthalmoscopy of the fundus;
• biomicroscopy;
• OCT;
• Ultrasound of the eye.

If necessary, doctors of other specialties - therapist, traumatologist, endocrinologist, etc. - can be involved in the diagnosis.

Treatment of vitreous destruction

If DST is caused by general age-related changes, then special treatment is not carried out, since it is unlikely that it will be possible to remove floaters from before the eyes. It is recommended to include more vitamins and microelements in your diet that are beneficial for the eyes, monitor your health, and prevent exacerbation of chronic diseases.

If destruction of the vitreous body has led to pathological changes in the structure of the eye, then only surgical intervention can save vision.

• Laser vitreolysis - with the help of a laser, large collagen clots that create cloudiness are broken into smaller ones and turned into plasma. It may take several sessions to improve vision.
• Vitrectomy - removal of the vitreous and replacing it with silicone oil.

It is recommended to begin treatment of vitreous destruction with a conservative method. Only if a successful result cannot be achieved, a microsurgical operation is performed.

Prevention of vitreous destruction

Most often, age-related CTD is not dangerous. A person quickly gets used to spots and dots in the field of view, and over time he simply stops noticing them. If the area of turbidity increases and vision decreases, then this is a reason to urgently consult a doctor.

Patients at risk - age 50+, refractive errors, long-term work at the computer, presence of systemic diseases - are recommended to visit an ophthalmologist 1-2 times a year and follow his advice on maintaining eye health.