How often should I have my PVD reviewed by a GP? 

You typically do not need to have Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD) reviewed by a GP on a regular basis. In the UK, PVD is managed by opticians or ophthalmologists who have the specialised equipment required to examine the retina. After an initial urgent assessment to rule out retinal tears, routine follow-up is generally not required unless you notice new symptoms like a sudden increase in floaters or flashes of light. 

Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD) is a common, usually benign condition that occurs as the gel inside the eye changes with age. When first diagnosed, many patients are unsure about the long-term monitoring process and whether they should visit their GP for regular check-ups. Because PVD involves internal structures of the eye, the clinical pathway differs from general health monitoring. 

This article explains the standard follow-up procedures for PVD in the UK health system. We will discuss who is responsible for your eye care, why a GP is not the primary point of contact for PVD reviews, and the specific ‘red flag’ symptoms that warrant an immediate return to a specialist. 

What We will cover in This Article 

• Why GPs are not equipped to perform PVD reviews 

• The role of opticians and ophthalmologists in PVD care 

• Standard follow-up timelines after the initial diagnosis 

• Understanding the ‘once-and-done’ approach for stable PVD 

• Red flag symptoms that require an urgent re-evaluation 

• How to access emergency eye care in the UK 

Why is PVD not reviewed by a GP? 

A General Practitioner (GP) provides essential care for systemic health but does not typically have the specialized tools, such as a slit lamp or the equipment for a dilated fundus examination, to review PVD. To properly assess the vitreous and the retina, an eye specialist must use drops to widen the pupil and examine the back of the eye under high magnification. 

If you visit a GP with symptoms of PVD, their role is usually to refer you urgently to an optician or an Eye Casualty department. Once a specialist has confirmed that the PVD is stable and no retinal tears are present, the GP will not need to perform further reviews of the eye condition itself. 

• Specialised Equipment: Eye specialists use bio-microscopy to see the vitreous-retinal interface. 

• Dilated Exams: GP surgeries do not routinely perform the dilated exams necessary for PVD monitoring. 

• Primary Care Pathway: In many areas of the UK, the ‘Minor Eye Conditions Service’ (MECS) allows opticians to be the first point of contact, bypassing the GP entirely. 

Standard follow-up timelines for PVD 

Most clinical guidelines, including those followed by the NHS, suggest that if no retinal tear or detachment is found during the initial urgent assessment, a routine follow-up is often unnecessary. This is because once the vitreous has fully detached from the optic nerve (often marked by the appearance of a Weiss Ring), the risk of it causing a new retinal tear significantly decreases. 

Some ophthalmologists may request a single follow-up appointment 4 to 6 weeks after the initial symptoms began. This is to ensure that the detachment has progressed safely and that no ‘delayed’ tears have developed as the gel continues to shift. 

Phase of Care	Recommended Action	Specialist
Initial Symptoms	Urgent assessment (within 24 hours)	Optician or Eye Casualty
4–6 Weeks Later	Occasional review (if requested by specialist)	Optician or Ophthalmology
Long-term	Routine eye tests (every 1–2 years)	High-street Optician
New Symptoms	Immediate urgent re-assessment	Optician or Eye Casualty

When a review becomes urgent 

While routine GP reviews are not needed, a ‘re-review’ with an eye specialist is mandatory if you experience a change in your stable symptoms. The brain usually learns to ignore PVD floaters over time, so any sudden change suggests a new event is occurring within the eye. 

A re-assessment is required if you notice a sudden ‘swarm’ of tiny black dots, which could indicate a vitreous haemorrhage, or if the flashes of light, which may have stopped, suddenly return with increased intensity. These symptoms suggest the vitreous is pulling on a new area of the retina. 

Monitoring PVD in high-risk patients 

In some cases, a more structured review plan might be established. This is usually reserved for patients with high-risk factors, such as high myopia (severe short-sightedness), a history of retinal detachment in the other eye, or certain genetic connective tissue disorders. 

In these instances, your ophthalmologist not your GP will determine the frequency of reviews. They may use Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scans to monitor the vitreoretinal interface more closely than would be done for a standard age-related PVD. 

Managing PVD symptoms at home 

Since regular clinical reviews are not usually part of PVD management, patients are encouraged to monitor their own symptoms. This is often called ‘safety netting’. You do not need to see a doctor just because a floater is still there; however, you should be aware of how your vision looks on a day-to-day basis. 

• Self-Testing: Occasionally cover one eye at a time to check for any ‘shadows’ or ‘curtains’ in your vision. 

• Stable Floaters: Understand that floaters moving, changing shape slightly, or being more visible in bright light is normal. 

• No GP CTA: Remember that for eye-specific symptoms, your local optician is often the fastest route to a specialist assessment. 

To Summarise 

You do not need to have your PVD reviewed by a GP, as they do not have the specialised equipment to monitor the retina. PVD is managed by opticians and ophthalmologists, usually with an initial urgent exam and a possible follow-up 4 to 6 weeks later. Once the condition is stable, you only need a review if you experience a sudden increase in flashes, a new shower of floaters, or a shadow in your vision. 

If you experience severe, sudden, or worsening symptoms, such as a dark shadow or curtain over your vision, call 999 immediately. 

Authority Snapshot 

This article was reviewed by Dr. Stefan Petrov, a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and certifications in BLS and ACLS. Dr. Petrov has practical experience in hospital wards and emergency care, where he has collaborated with ophthalmology teams to manage acute eye conditions. His background ensures that the clinical pathways and referral guidelines provided here align with standard UK medical practice and patient safety protocols.