Prevalence and Clinical Profile of Posterior Vitreous Detachment in Myopia : A Cross:Sectional Study

Abstract

Purpose: To study the prevalence, clinical profile, and association of different grades of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD)
in myopia.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Outpatient Department of Ophthalmology, Rohilkhand Medical
College & Hospital, Bareilly (Uttar Pradesh), from August 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024, and included 500 patients. A detailed
history focusing on presenting complaints, spectacle use, and family history of refractive errors was recorded. Visual acuity was
assessed using a Snellen chart, and refraction and slit-lamp examinations were performed to evaluate refractive status and exclude
organic causes. Keratometry and applanation tonometry assessed corneal curvature and intraocular pressure, respectively. Axial
length was measured using A-scan ultrasonography, averaging the best three readings. Fundus examination with photography
documented posterior segment changes, supplemented by B-scan ultrasonography for vitreoretinal evaluation. Optical coherence
tomography (OCT) was used to measure macular and choroidal thickness.
Results: PVD was observed in 5.4% of the participants, with a strong association with high myopia (92.6% of PVD cases) and
increased axial length (mean 30.01 mm). Retinal degenerations, including lattice degeneration (77.8%) and white with pressure
(WWP) degeneration (77.8%), were significantly more common in participants with PVD. Retinal complications, such as retinal
breaks (55.6%) and retinal detachment (77.8%), were also more frequent in this group. No significant association was found
between PVD and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) or gender.
Conclusion: PVD is strongly associated with high myopia, axial elongation, and advanced retinal degeneration, underscoring
the importance of routine screening and early detection in high-risk populations to prevent sight-threatening complications.
Further research is needed to better understand the progression and management of PVD-related complications.