Posterior Vitreous Detachment Natural Treatment: Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs, and Supplements

Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) occurs when the gel that fills the eyeball separates from the retina. The retina is a thin nerve tissue layer that lines the back of the eyeball. It is in charge of sensing light and converting it to visual pictures. PVD is a frequent and normal age-related eye condition. It occurs more frequently beyond the age of 60 than in those younger than 40. As you become older, your chances of acquiring this condition rise. PVD is more likely to develop in the other eye if you already have it in another. It is not painful but puts you at mild risk of retinal tear and retinal detachment.

Patients who have PVD in one eye are likely to get PVD in the other within a year. PVDs affect practically everyone at some time in their lives, whether or not they show symptoms. Although it cannot be prevented, an early diagnosis can save your vision, as untreated retinal detachment may cause blindness. Around 10-15% of people with PVD will develop a retinal tear, which can develop into a retinal detachment if left untreated.

As far as posterior vitreous detachment treatments are concerned, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) modalities can help treat the symptoms of PVD. Posterior Vitreous Detachment natural treatment includes acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and supplements.  

Vitreous Degeneration Natural Treatment at Makari Wellness Eye Clinics

PVD and eye floaters occur when Yang energy is insufficient, and Yin energy is excessive. It is critical to address this minor issue as soon as possible. Acupuncture on the liver and spleen meridians at Makari Wellness helps balance yin and yang. Nutrition and lifestyle advice, Chinese herbal treatment, and supplements may all be part of the personalized approach. Each therapy we provide is tailored to the patient’s individual needs, taking into account the severity of the symptoms, constitution, and general health.

We also offer convenient telemedicine consultations, where you can get recommendations regarding Chinese herbs, diet, instructions about meditation, and at-home acupressure. Do not let the COVID pandemic or your location affect your eye health; book the vision telemedicine at (888) 871-8889.

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What is Posterior Vitreous Detachment?

PVD occurs when the vitreous gel that lines the retina (the inside back of the eye) pulls away from the retina and appears floating in the middle of the vitreous cavity. Changes in your vitreous gel are to blame. PVD is not painful, and it does not cause blindness, although it can create floaters (little black patches or forms) and flashing lights. As your brain learns to disregard these symptoms, they will go away. With time, you should be able to see just as well as you could before your PVD began.

If PVD is complicated by the retinal tear, it is possible to experience a vitreous hemorrhage. It happens when the retinal blood vessel is torn during the vitreous separation. This condition can keep light from reaching the retina and cause vision problems. If the bleeding is severe, it can even cause a vision loss. Sudden vision loss is considered an eye emergency.

Posterior Vitreous Detachment Symptoms

Posterior vitreous detachment causes symptoms that are painless and may include:

  • Floaters are pretty common, and many people, including those without PVD, have them. They are clusters of cells that grow on the surface of your vitreous. When light enters your eye, it casts shadows on your retina, which you can see. These floaters are harmless to your eyes and come in various forms and sizes, including dots that resemble flies, threads, rings, clouds, spiders, and cobwebs. You could find that your floaters move about a lot or do not move at all. They are more noticeable on a sunny day, when staring at a bright computer screen, or when looking at a white or light-colored backdrop.
  • Flashes of light – Your retina responds to the stimulation by delivering a signal to your brain when your vitreous pushes away from your retina. Your brain processes this signal as a little, brief flash of light, which you can see clearly in low or gloomy conditions. These light flashes will not last as long as floaters, and they will likely become less frequent until the vitreous has totally detached from your retina.
  • Blurred vision

Posterior Vitreous Detachment Causes

Water makes up the majority of your vitreous gel. It has been right up against your retina in the back of your eye, near your optic nerve. The gel is attached to your retina by tiny fibers. As you age, little pockets might form inside this gel, and they can tear the small fibers that hold it to your retina. As a result, a tear in your retina or a hole in your eye nerve may develop. Most patients get PVD at age 50 or older, and it happens to women and men equally. Some risk factors are:

  • Aging
  • Nearsightedness
  • Eye injuries
  • Cataract surgery

Complications of PVD can lead to vision loss and may include:

  • Retinal tear
  • Retinal detachment
  • Vitreous hemorrhage
  • Macular pucker (scar tissue on the macula)
  • Macular hole (a small gap that opens at the center of the retina)
  • Cataract formation
  • Corneal edema
  • Infection

Vitreous Degeneration Natural Treatment

As far as a natural treatment of vitreous hemorrhage and PVD is concerned, Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can help. Its primary concept is that vital life energy known as Qi flows through the body. Any Qi imbalance might result in sickness and illness. An alteration in the opposing and complementary forces (Yin and Yang) that make up the Qi is thought to be the most typical cause of this imbalance.

The main idea of TCM is to achieve the balance between health and sickness. TCM aims to reestablish this balance through treatment tailored to the person. What is more, a person must attain harmony between their internal body organs and the external elements of earth, fire, water, wood, and metal.

The health of the eye as a whole contributes to the health of the vitreous. To restore harmony, the certified Chinese medicine practitioner can use some TCM modalities, like acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and supplements.

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Acupuncture for Posterior Vitreous Detachment

Acupuncture involves inserting tiny needles into precise spots along the meridians. To balance the body’s Yin and Yang, the needles stimulate the meridians and regulate the flow of Qi. To determine the root of an imbalanced health condition, which organ it is connected to, and which meridians are afflicted, a TCM practitioner employs smell, hearing, voice vibration, touch, and pulse diagnosis. Some of the most important acupoints used to address PVD are:

  • Jingming (UB 1) is the point located in the inner corner of the eye. It brings Qi and blood to the eyes.
  • Zanzhu (UB 2) is located in the crease at the inner end of the eyebrow.
  • Sizhukong (SJ 23) is located in the hollow area at the outer part of the eyebrow.
  • Tongzilia (GB 1) can be found on the outside corner of the eye.

Herbs for Posterior Vitreous Detachment

TCM uses herbs and herbal mixtures to maintain good health and strengthen organ function. The TCM practitioner may generate a therapeutic effect that goes beyond the herbs’ chemical makeup and physical qualities. They do that by comprehending the essence of diverse herbal components. The herbal formula whose essence, or characteristic energy vibration, appropriately stimulates or modifies the body’s own energy vibration is chosen wisely by your practitioner. It may include:

  • Eyebright: contains Aucubin, which protects against oxidative damage in the eye cells. It also protects the liver.
  • Wolfberries: are one of the traditional Chinese herbs for eye health to help improve eyesight.
  • Buddleia flower buds: help alleviate light sensitivity and help protect eyes against eye lens damage and cloudiness.
  • Chrysanthemum flower: rich in beta-carotene and B vitamins that have proven beneficial for eye health.
  • Gingko Biloba: improves blood flow to the back of the eye.
  • Green tea: packed with vitamins E and C, lutein, zeaxanthin, and other antioxidants that guard eye tissue.

Vitreous Detachment Treatment Vitamins, Diet & Nutritional Supplements

In the same manner, TCM considers the therapeutic powers of foods. Different foods have various energies that may be sent directly to certain organs to aid in their healing.

Some of the most powerful eye-supporting nutrients can help keep your retina and vitreous healthy, reducing the risk of new floaters. Most essential elements may be found in natural food sources; thus eating a well-balanced diet is crucial, especially for older people. Here are some eye-health vitamins and nutrients to look for and where to find them:

  • Vitamin C – It is a powerful antioxidant, eliminates waste, and neutralizes oxidization. It also supports the vitreous and connective tissue in the eye. Citrus fruits are the best source of this vitamin.
  • Vitamin E – Vegetable and nuts oil, nuts and seeds, sweet potato, wheat germ, dark leafy greens, and avocado are rich in vitamin E.
  • Vitamin B – Vitamin B-rich food, such as whole grains, meat, legumes, nuts, seeds, dark green vegetables, and fruits, may help to keep your eyes healthy.
  • Lutein & Zeaxanthin – Can be found in dark leafy green vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, and kale. Also, egg yolks, grapes, and peppers are good sources.
  • Glucosamine and Hyaluronic acid – Seniors tend to produce less of these two substances as they age, so having a proper supplementation can help alleviate the symptoms of PVD.
  • Omega 3-fatty acids – Can be found in many cold-water fish like mackerel, tuna, herring, and salmon.
  • Selenium – It has anti-oxidizing properties, which can shield eye cells from damage. The best sources are walnuts, enriched bread, and rice.
  • Zinc – It is known for strengthening retinal cells and can be found in crabs, oysters, lobsters, whole grains, meat, poultry, and dairy products.

Posterior Vitreous Detachment Prevention

It is impossible to avoid posterior vitreous detachment. It is a natural aspect of aging, but you should report any changes in your eyesight to your ophthalmologist. They can identify and prevent problems and complications from other eye disorders.

Floaters and flashes become less obvious with time, even if the problem does not go away. PVD in the second eye is frequent in a year or two following your first diagnosis. If you have symptoms in the other eye, you should have another check to ensure there is no retinal tear or detachment present. Also, to cope with flashes and floaters, you can reduce the brightness on screens, wear eyeglasses as prescribed, and wear sunglasses that block harmful UV rays.