Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

New type of floater with PVD

5 weeks ago I started to experience and increase in floaters and flashes of light in my peripheral vision, affecting my left eye. I when to my local eye department and identified a posterior vitreous detachment. There was no evidence of denial tears or detachment. My symptoms have been stable but last night I noticed a change. In my peripheral vision, in the 12 o’clock position, I have a strange type of whst seems like a floater. It is a thick dark strand that moves but it seems tethered or attached at some point at the edge of my peripheral vision. It doesn’t seem as free as my other floaters and feels more bold than my other floaters. I will go and see an eye doctor but I just wanted to ask about this on the forum. appear from this large strand I fo not have any more new floaters. My visual field and acuity also see unchanged. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
177275 tn?1511755244
In the general population PVDs are a normal part of aging of the eye.  50% by age 50 and about 70% by age 70.  Retinal detachment RD  is rare in general population about 1 in 8000 or less.   The risk is higher in people who have had cataract surgery, a family history of RD, highly myopic or had major trauma to the eye.  So if you are not in these categories your risk is small.  Floaters like people come in all sizes and shapes including membranes.  
Helpful - 0
177275 tn?1511755244
A Posterior Vitreous Detachment is a process not an event. PVDs occur over days to months. When we examine a PVD we schedule a follow up in 4-6 weeks and ask the person to return immediately with increased floaters, increased flashes or loss of peripheral vision. Since your symptoms have changed you need to see your ophthalmologist ASAP. I would call the answering service and talk to the eye MD on call today.
Helpful - 0
5 Comments
Thank you for your reply. I saw a Doctor as you advised. They really dilated my pupils - used two types of drops. The doctor had a really good look around and couldn’t find any evidence of any breaks. The Doctor thought was I was seeing was just a floater.
That is great. I just want to confirm that the "eye doctor' is a Eye MD ophthalmologist?   The other non-MD, "eye doctor" is an OD optometrist.  I'm hoping yours is the MD.
Yes, it was an Ophthalmologist - Specialist eye doctor - Who I saw at a Hospital.  
Okay, then you have the highest level of care.
Thank you for your time. Can I ask your opinion on the risk of PVD complications reducing after the first 6 weeks of being symptomatic. Also another query is about floaters. One of the floaters I have is like a big sheet / it’s like looking through a film. I’m told this is a shadow of the vitreous that has detached from the eye - can you tell me anymore about this? Thanks again.  
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Eye Care Community

Top General Health Answerers
177275 tn?1511755244
Kansas City, MO
Avatar universal
Grand Prairie, TX
Avatar universal
San Diego, CA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Discharge often isn't normal, and could mean an infection or an STD.
In this unique and fascinating report from Missouri Medicine, world-renowned expert Dr. Raymond Moody examines what really happens when we almost die.
Think a loved one may be experiencing hearing loss? Here are five warning signs to watch for.
When it comes to your health, timing is everything
We’ve got a crash course on metabolism basics.
Learn what you can do to avoid ski injury and other common winter sports injury.