Course of a vitreous body lift
A vitreous detachment is very variable in its duration and can last from a few days to several weeks. In some cases, the process can even last for months. The average duration is between four and twelve weeks.
The symptoms can begin at the same time as the vitreous detachment begins or later, when the vitreous membrane begins to pull on the retina. With the end of the vitreous detachment, the symptoms such as light flashes or sooty rain disappear. However, most patients get used to the slight visual impairments very quickly and hardly notice them after a while.
However, if those affected feel disturbed to an excessive degree and their everyday life is impaired, the natural process of vitreous detachment can be accelerated surgically by performing a vitrectomy, i.e. surgically removing the vitreous body. This can be the case especially with younger patients, as they usually feel more disturbed and handicapped in their everyday life and work due to the visual impairment. However, since this operation is not without risks, the procedure should be carefully weighed up with the treating ophthalmologist.
However, a regular check of the ocular fundus is always advisable in order to be able to recognize and treat any accompanying complications at an early stage. Healing from vitreous detachment is not possible.However, a vitreous detachment is not a disease in the classical sense, but rather a natural aging process, which becomes weaker in one person and stronger in another. The vitreous detachment usually begins insidiously and only becomes noticeable by its accompanying symptoms such as flashes of light, mouches volantes or distortions in the historical field.
These can then persist as long as the lifting is not yet fully completed. But once the vitreous body has completely detached itself from its base, the retina, the light flashes normally stop again and the distorted vision also diminishes and disappears over time. Once the vitreous detachment is complete, no complications, such as retinal detachment, are to be feared.
Normally, a patient with a unilateral or bilateral vitreous detachment does not need to take much physical care. Some rules of conduct should nevertheless be observed: It should be avoided to lift very heavy weights or to engage in particularly physically strenuous activities. Contact sports should also be avoided during this time (for example rugby, boxing or martial arts).
Bungee jumping and the like can also have negative effects. Difficult postures, especially over head, during yoga, Pilates and the like should also be avoided. It is quite possible that these activities promote the occurrence of flashes of light and mouches volantes and in the worst case can even lead to a detachment of the retina. On the other hand, lighter sports such as swimming, cycling, simple gymnastics or walking can be continued without any problems during the period of vitreous detachment.
