PVD

[090308health]

Hi, I posted on here earlier about a large cobweb floater I have in my right eye, but had a couple more questions after getting a 2nd opinion. I sought a 2nd opinion after having some lightning bolt type flashes in that eye. The flashes lasted for about a second. I went to my usual opthamologist, & he said I have a partial Posterior vitreous detachment in that eye. He said he did not see a retinal tear, & to come back as needed. I am a 27 yr. old female. My questions are:

1. How long does it usually take for a PVD to completely detach?
2. How long am I at risk for a retinal tear with this?
3. Should I avoid exercising & wearing my contact lenses?
4. I have posterior lenticonus in the left eye. Am I at risk for a PVD in that eye as well?

Thanks for all your help & time.....

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

To TabA and all fellow floaters sufferers:  There is an important new study out that answers many of the questions asked on the two eye care forums:

"Symptomatic Posterior Vitreous Detachments and the Incidence of Delayed Retinal Breaks: Case Series and Meta-analysis"  Coffee RE, Westfall AC, Davis GH, Mieller WF and Holt ER.  American Journal of Ophthalmology (AJO) volume 144, September 2007 pages 409-413

1. The highest risks are in the first 6 weeks.
2. Risk factors for PVD leading to retinal tears: trauma, myopia (esp large amounts), previous cataract surgery, lattice degeneration, retinal detachment in the other eye, positive family history of RD.
3. Symptomatic PVD with high risk findings: vitreous bleeding, pigment in the vitreous, retinal hemorrhage had a 8.2% chance of a retinal tear (not all had RD).  This study was maxed at 8 weeks.

Now for you:
1. I would suggest you avoid severe exercising such as sit ups, yoga head stands, contact sports, etc for 6-8 weeks.
2. It makes no difference if you wear your contacts.
3. Posterior lenticonus will not increase the risk of RD.
4. When you get a PVD in on eye sooner or later you will get another one in the fellow eye.

JCH III MD

[CharlieSp67]

I am very glad to find this website.  I am a 44 year male.  No major eye problem except myopia both eyes at 400 degrees.  I was hit by an object 1.5 weeks ago on my forehead.  I saw flashes in my left eyes.  There are some floaters the next few days which I thought was bearable.  4 days later, I was bit by a badminton shuttlecock on the same place. I did not see flashes.  However, the floaters became cobweb like in the next few days.  I went for an eye check.  Doctor said there is a PVD in left eye.  No tear in retinal.
Given that my PVD is due to trauma, not old age, I would appreciate answers to my following questions:
1. The normally mentioned 6 week risk period: Does it mean that the Virteous will be completely detached in 6 weeks, or the present degree of detachment will be stabilized after this period if we are careful?
2. If the degree of PVD stay after the 6 weeks, does it means that the risk of retinal detachment will be lower from the 5% that is commonly mentioned, and we can carry on normal exercises such as running?  Or would the life style be changed due to the potential retinal detachment due to partial PVD?

I have a lot of anxiety under the current condition.  Your help is very much appreciated.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

What are you a slow learner? You get hit in the eye than pay badmitton without eye protection? Wise up.

1. Since your PVD is due to trauma it would not "evolve" over the 6-8 weeks that is typical for a 60-70-80 year old. No way to give you a time frame.
2.Only an ophthalmologist that has looked in your eye with dilated pupils and indirect ophthalmoscope. Ask him/her.
3. Wear eye protection for all racquet and contact sports and other high eye hazzard activities.

JCH MD