Retinal tear after sudden jerk when riding on a horse cart

[sidlennon]

Hello, I had a retinal tear 7-8 years back and I am 40 now. I rode on a horse cart on a beach today and the cart did not have any shock absorber/suspension.

There was a sudden shock when the cart wheel went over a hard object. I am little concerned if such vibrations/shock can cause the retinal damage?

[JohnHaganMD]

If you have any of these symptoms: new floaters, flashes of light like lightening, loss of field of vision, reduction of vision you need to call your ophthalmologist for an emergent exam. You are at very high risk of RD in the other eye, as high as 6%. Annually you should have you eyes checked by an ophthalmologist that specializes in retina surgery and also by your general comprehensive ophthalmologist.  Ideally 6 months apart so you are examined twice/year.

[sidlennon]

Thanks for the response. Based on my question would such an activity and jerks or shocks be risky?

[sidlennon]

After the beach activity (horse cart ride), I don't have any such symptoms. Also when walking on the beach I stepped into a pothole, and had sudden jerk

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

You are starting to obscess. Most RDs don't come from trauma but from vitreous traction. Discuss your activities with your retina surgeon or general ophthalmologist