What are the symptoms of vitreoretinal diseases?
Nov 19, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Baohua
Introduction
Symptoms of vitreoretinal diseases generally include floaters, sudden vision loss, metamorphopsia (distorted vision), visual field defects, and photopsia. Patients may perceive black spots, lines, or cloudy shadows drifting in their vision that move with eye movement, particularly noticeable when looking at white backgrounds or bright environments. These symptoms are mostly caused by vitreous opacities or posterior vitreous detachment pulling on the retina.
Symptoms of vitreoretinal diseases generally include floaters, sudden vision loss, metamorphosis (distorted vision), visual field defects, and flashes of light. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Floaters: Patients may perceive black spots, lines, or cloud-like shadows drifting in their vision, especially noticeable when looking at white backgrounds or bright environments. This is mostly caused by vitreous opacities or posterior vitreous detachment pulling on the retina.
2. Sudden vision loss: Vision decline is often abrupt, with significant reduction occurring within hours or days. In some cases, vision may drop sharply to only light perception. This commonly occurs in conditions such as retinal detachment or vitreous hemorrhage and requires prompt intervention to prevent permanent vision damage.
3. Metamorphopsia (visual distortion): Straight objects appear bent or twisted, or objects may seem different in size or shape from reality—for example, a circle appearing oval. This results from pathological changes affecting the macular area of the retina, leading to abnormal image formation.
4. Visual field defect: There may be localized dark areas or a sensation of obstruction in the visual field, which can gradually expand, resembling a shadow blocking part of the vision. If the central visual field is affected, daily activities requiring clear vision will be significantly impaired.
5. Photopsia (flashes of light): Brief flashes or sparkles appear in the visual field, similar to the sensation of lightning streaks. These are usually caused by vitreous traction on the retina inducing abnormal retinal excitation. Frequent photopsia may be an early warning sign of retinal detachment.
Upon experiencing any of the above symptoms, patients should immediately seek ophthalmologic evaluation, including fundus examination and ocular B-ultrasound, to determine the type and severity of the condition. After diagnosis, it is essential to strictly follow medical advice for treatment and undergo regular fundus check-ups to preserve remaining vision.
