Get Help Common Eye Conditions Posterior Vitreous Detachment What is Vitreous Detachment? A Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD) is not the same as a retinal detachment. A PVD is a condition of the eye in which the vitreous humour (the part that fills the eye behind the lens) separates from the retina. During a vitreous detachment, the vitreous may pull hard enough on the retina to create a retinal tear. For this reason, any patient who experiences new floaters or flashing lights should see an ophthalmologist immediately to exclude a torn retina.