Posterior Vitreous Detatchment

[mrs_overall]

I was diagnosed with this 4 weeks ago (left eye only) and was told it would clear up on its own. It has not improved at all yet. It is affecting my ability to drive and generally making me miserable. Does anyone know how long it will take to go?

[Bambiagain]

I had this a few years ago. Started off with horrible flashes and when they went I had a giant spider whizzing around in my eye. I went to the local eye clinic and they said it would get better. It took a while, but it did. The spider is still there but I don't notice him most of the time and he has grown smaller. Highly annoying at first but you do get used to it fairly quickly.

[daisya]

I had this first in the right eye and hated it, never got used to the "swinging" black thingies and they are still there. I thought and hoped it wouldn't occur in t'other eye but a few months ago it did...same thing and I still get the swinging black stuff which like Mrs O keep thinking it's flies or summat or movement in the room. I was told I would get used to it that the brain would "tune out" and I wouldn't notice the movement. Hmm...no chance as with the first eye it was about 3 yrs ago so I know I shall be driven to distraction with the other eye having the same... Told there's no cure and we have to live with it - hrmphh!

[tenrec]

I have just had laser treatment for PVD, I waited 4 weeks for an appointment with the Opthalmic Consultant. He was furious. Said I should have been seen immediately. That day I had laser treatment. Next week I went back and had to have more laser. It had a retinal tear. Now it seems fine. Still the odd floater, but feel re-assured that everything has settled down. Good luck.

[york310]

In the above case the retinal hole/tear was likely to have been present and asymptomatic prior to the PVD. The reason why all people presenting with flashes or floaters should have eye examinations with dilated pupils is to exclude retinal complications. If a tear or hole is present with a PVD then as the vitreous gel liquified this fluid can enter the space underneath the retina through the gap and can lead to a retinal detachment. Obviously is is the biggest concern with these symptoms.

Many PCTs have introduced local eye are schemes so that people with these symptoms can be seen in community car at their optometrists who are trained to undertake these examinations. They can then give reassurance and give advice or refer directly to the local eye clinic with appropriate timescales.

[boxtops]

That's also useful to know, york.