What visual symptom is characteristic of posterior vitreous detachment?

Flashes of light are a characteristic visual symptom associated with posterior vitreous detachment. This phenomenon occurs when the vitreous gel, which fills the inside of the eye, pulls away from the retina. As the vitreous detaches, it can tug on the retina, leading to the perception of light flashes. These flashes can appear as brief, bright streaks of light and are typically noticed in the peripheral vision. While they may be alarming to patients, flashes of light are a common experience during posterior vitreous detachment.

Severe eye pain is not usually a symptom of posterior vitreous detachment; rather, the condition is more often described as painless or associated with mild discomfort. Persistent double vision can indicate a different ophthalmic condition rather than posterior vitreous detachment, which tends not to affect the alignment of the eyes. Curved lines in vision may suggest other visual distortions, such as those seen in macular degeneration or other retinal conditions, rather than being specifically indicative of posterior vitreous detachment.