Description: Degeneration of vitreous gel with age causing floaters.

Treatment: Generally none. Vitrectomy for severe cases or very symptomatic patients (often has more risks than benefits).

Emergency?: No. 

Helpful Testing: B-scan.

Differential Diagnoses: VMT/VMA, retinal detachment. 

Description: Inflammation of the posterior uvea limited to the posterior portion of the eye. Can be from infections, auto-immune conditions. 

Treatment: Referral to retinal specialist; corticosteroids, topical corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, 

Emergency?: Yes, this condition can be sight threatening. 

Helpful Testing: Fundus photos, B-scan. 

Differential Diagnoses: Anterior uveitis, other posterior infection.

Description: Bleeding within the vitreous often associated with severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy. 

Treatment: Referral to retinal specialist; laser cryotherapy, intravitreal injections, and surgery (vitrectomy) . 

Emergency?: Yes; requires urgent referral. 

Helpful Testing: B-scan. 

Differential Diagnoses: B-scan, fundus photos. 

Description: A separation of the vitreous from the retinal face. Patients with often complain of a new floater, flashes.

Treatment: None required. Usually involves monitoring for VMA/VMT. Patient usually followed every few weeks at initial onset. 

Emergency?: No but patient should be seen promptly to rule out retinal tear.  

Helpful Testing: OCT macula, fundus photos. 

Differential Diagnoses: Retinal detachment, vitreous degeneration. 

Description: Benign vascular hamartoma near the optic disc; typically asymptomatic; may show a grape-like appearance on fundus exam.

Treatment: Observation; regular monitoring with OCT and visual fields.

Emergency?: No

Helpful Testing: Fundus photos, OCT, visual fields

Differential Diagnoses: Choroidal hemangioma, optic disc drusen, astrocytic hamartoma, peripapillary CNV.