As the years pass by, this vitreous humour gelatine tends to deteriorate, fragmenting its fibrous structure leaving empty spaces and freely floating débris. As the retina is behind all this, the patient sees flecks etc. in his visual field.
It is found more frequently with age, in shortsighted patients, after cataract surgery or when the interior of the eye is inflamed. Sometimes this gelatine, which is intimately adhered to the retina, suddenly peels away. When this happens the patient will immediately experience all of the above symptoms. If he is more than 50 years old or is shortsighted, he must be examined immediately by an Ophthalmologist.

Not in most cases as the vitreous humour, on separating suddenly from the retina, may tear or detach it by traction in only a small percentage of patients. An immediate visit to the Ophthalmologist is recommended if the aforementioned symptoms happen suddenly, make existing ones worse or if accompanied by sparks, flashes or lights.

No ,it is not possible to prevent it happening but we can avoid possible complications if it does happen. It will be necessary to consult an Ophthalmologist who will dilate the pupil to explore the periphery of the retina looking for tears or signs of predispositions to do so.