Vitreopapillary Traction Syndrome (VPT)

Vitreopapillary traction (VPT) is characterized by abnormal vitreous adherence to the optic disc due to a fibrocellular membrane or incomplete posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). Traction on the optic disc can result in elevation of the disc, blurred margins, and rarely peripapillary hemorrhage. Patients with VPT may be asymptomatic, or present with visual disturbance. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is used to confirm the diagnosis. As shown in the pictures above, VPT can be seen as a hyperreflective posterior hyaloid adherent to the optic disc or optic disc margin. Retinal nerve fiber layer thickening or optic disc elevation may also be observed. Isolated VPT syndrome can be managed conservatively through observation. In addition to PVD, VPT has been associated with other ocular diagnoses, such as diabetic retinopathy, and central retinal vein occlusion.