Purpose: The purpose of this research development was to produce evidence-based material about posterior vitreous detachment and its complications. The thesis aimed to create a clinical guideline for Finnish optometrists on assessing posterior vitreous detachment. The research development was commissioned by The Finnish Ethical Board of Optometry (OEN).

Methods: This research development was conducted as a literature review analysis-based work for The Finnish Ethical Board of Optometry between spring 2022 and fall 2023. The research development consisted of three phases. The first phase included a comprehensive theoretical background on the vitreous, posterior vitreous detachment, and complications of posterior vitreous detachment. The second phase included a narrative literature review of complications of posterior vitreous detachment and their prognosis. The third phase consisted of searching and selecting existing international guidelines and defining the content and structure for the Finnish posterior vitreous detachment assessment guideline. The content of the Finnish guideline was based on the selected international guidelines and the results of the narrative literature review.

Results: As a first result of this research development work, nine studies were chosen for the narrative literature review. As a second result, four international guidelines about posterior vitreous detachment-related disorders were identified for further evaluation. As a third result, the posterior vitreous detachment assessment guideline for Finnish optometrists was created. The guideline includes three parts: patient history/anamnesis, ocular examination, and patient education. Anterior vitreous and peripheral retina should have particular emphasis in ocular examination during the acute posterior vitreous detachment. Early-stage posterior vitreous detachment may cause complications in the macula area. Patient education is an essential part of the care process. Retinal breaks may be missed in the initial examination or have not been developed yet. Therefore, all patients should be educated about the risks and signs of retinal detachment.

Conclusions: Finnish optometrists have all the required elements to perform a thorough adult eye examination that is needed in the evaluation of posterior vitreous detachment. In the future, there will be a growing demand to adequately harness the clinical skills of Finnish optometrists. By using this guideline, Finnish optometrists will have a uniform way of assessing posterior vitreous detachment.