Boston Surgeon on Cataract Surgery & Vitreous Detachment

Boston Cataract Surgeon Francis D’Ambrosio, Jr., M.D. explained why cataract surgery patients often experience Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD) after a cataract operation. “Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD) does indeed appear to be more common in individuals who have had cataract surgery. There may not be an obvious "cause and effect" relationship but there are a number of possible factors that contribute to this,” said Dr. D’Ambrosio, Jr. of D’Ambrosio Eye Care with offices in Athol, Lancaster, Acton & Gardner, Massachusetts. 

• The vitreous changes that lead to vitreous liquefication and instability and ultimately PVD are age-related, as are cataracts and the need for cataract surgery. 
• Removal of a cataract can allow mechanical space shifts in the vitreous gel and perhaps increase the odds of PVD. 
• Biochemical changes actually occur following cataract surgery and these appear to increase the likelihood of PVD, particularly if the posterior lens capsule is opened. 
• Unusual complications of cataract surgery can disrupt the integrity of the vitreous gel and increase the odds of PVD. 

“What we know clinically as a practical matter is that it is pretty typical for some 50% or more of patients undergoing cataract surgery will experience a Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD), with some patients noticing visual symptoms including a “cobweb” or some floaters,” explained Dr. D’Ambrosio, Jr. “If the visual symptoms become excessive or are accompanied by a curtain or veil in your vision, or perhaps distortion of your vision, we want to hear from you immediately.” 

If you or someone you know has a question or concerns about cataracts, cataract surgery or Posterior Vitreous detachment (PVD) please feel free to schedule an eye examination at D’Ambrosio Eye Care by calling us at 800-325-3937, visiting D’Ambrosio Eye Care or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare so that we can help recommend an appropriate treatment plan. 

Staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration (AMD) and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services. 

D'Ambrosio Eye Care is a leading eye and LASIK care practice in Athol, Lancaster, Gardner and Acton that serves the greater Boston and central Massachusetts area including Acton, Athol, Berlin, Bolton, Boylston, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Clinton, Concord, Fitchburg, Gardner, Greenfield, Groton, Harvard, Hudson, Lancaster, Leominster, Lexington, Littleton, Lowell, Lunenburg, Marlborough, Milford, Shelburne Falls, Shirley, Sterling, Stow, Sudbury, Templeton, Westminster, Westborough, Winchendon and Worcester, Massachusetts.