Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)

Yesterday morning, I thought I has a mild migraine, but headed off on the bus anyway to do some shopping. By the time I got off the bus, I was experiencing flashing in my right eye and strange 'floaters' in it. By luck the bus stop was just outside Specsavers, so I dropped in, explained the problem, and asked if I could see an optometrist.

Saw a very nice chap who diagnosed a Posterior Vitreous Detachment. Apparently very common in over 60's and not normally serious. He checked with the eye clinic at the hospital, but based on his information, they were not too concerned .

I have to go back today and see him. It feels and looks as if an alien has invaded my eye, but otherwise I can see OK.

I was never keen on visiting Specsavers, but I have nothing but praise for the attention I was given.

Re: Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)

That sounds very scary Grumblewagon I hope it's temporary and you get better every quickly.

Re: Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)

George my sister had that problem and was really scared .
It settle down on its own.

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That's good to know - must be a frightening experience

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When I first read the thread title I thought TessA must have run amok with a bustle!

That sounds a very scary and unpleasant experience, Grumblewagon, I am glad that Specsavers were able to reassure you. Will it go away of it's own accord or will you need treatment?

Re: Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)

I had this a couple of years ago in my left eye. I diagnosed it myself, from the internet. The flashing which happened when I moved my eye, stopped after a few weeks - I still get a few floaters.

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I was driving to work , suddenly I was looking through a black lace curtain in my left eye. I went to the opticians and was diagnosed with the same. It had happened all in one go whereas it usually does it slowly. I live with floaters . 6 months later the same with my right eye . You do get used to them. The flashes are a bit annoying at times.

Re: Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)

OK, here's what happened. The optometrist said I was right to come and see him as there was a small bleed in my eye. So, it was an emergency referral to the eye clinic in Aberdeen.

The clinic was fully booked, so they arranged to see me on the ward in the evening. The nurses were great -give us sandwiches and made us coffee. I was seen by a junior doctor and then a senior registrar. He was in two minds as to whether the problem was a small tear or a burst blood vessel.
There was a small moment of amusement when the two doctors discussed how to spell 'Aneurysm'.

He 'squeezed' me into his list for 8.30 this morning at the eye clinic . More examinations, eye scans etc.. and discussions with the consultant.
Opinion was that there was a small tear but no detachment but to be sure it wouldn't give problems it would be repaired by laser.

Another small amusement when he had to get a nurse to get a monitor working, but otherwise the laser repair went fine. You don't feel anything, just see small green flashes.

All done by 10:30 and home again. Will probably need a checkup and hopefully the scary looking floaters will be absorbed.

That's the last time I'll go shopping by bus !! I've been told to avoid anything that would shake my head for 4 to 6 weeks. According to the consultant this includes driving a tractor.

Re: Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)

Did you have a bloodshot eye - so pleased its been sorted for you

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Glad it's sorted, GW. I've always found eye clinics provide a terrific emergency service, and your experience seems to confirm that once again.