Vitreous detachment

Overview

A vitreous detachment is a disorder in which the vitreous, a component of the eye, shrinks and separates from the retina. The vitreous is a gel-like material that fills the inner chamber of the eyeball. The retina is a light-sensitive tissue located in the rear of the eye. 

The vitreous fibers peel away from the retina as you age. Vitreous detachment is the medical term for this. When your vitreous detaches, you may not notice it or you may experience symptoms that impair your vision.