24 years old with PVD

Two days ago I was diagnosed with a small PVD "bubble" in my right eye. I am only 24 years old and I am in the process of starting flight training to become a professional pilot (a dream i've had for sometime now). My vision is still 20/20 and my periferal was perfect but i am very worried about the proggression of this condition. The doctor said that it was 10 times smaller than the ones he normally sees- although im 10 times younger than others who have it. Before I spend $40,000 on flight school, what can I expect as far as progression is concerned in regards to my age and the size of it? How likely is it going to become a tear? After retinal tear surgery, will my eye be 20/20 again? Also, the doctor said that gravity may pull the "void" out of my field of vision. How likely is that?

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

If all you have is a posterior vitreous detachment you do not need to worry even at your age. At age 24  perhaps 20 % have floaters and 10 % PVD.  The imporant thing is that the exam you had disclosed no eye disease, no holes, no tears, no detachments. It is also favorable if you are not extremely myopic and have no family history of RD.

I did the flight exams for the Navy and Marine aviation program for many years and nothing will disqualify you. Remember that all of the armed forces have now approved LASIK indeed there is now an official armed forces refractive surgery center (I believe at Wilford Hall AFB in TX).

Very, very, very few PVDs lead to RDs.

No reason you shouldn't head out to the wild blue younder.

JCH III MD previous Capt, USAF

[hira341]

hi i am 41 year old and diagnosed wit PVD. about 6 weeks ago. now my both eyes are very sensitive to light . i did my retina examination which is normal. but my both eyes are very sensitive to the light, when i go to sunligt i have like blinking sensation and also when i go from light to dark room suddenly looks very dark the slowly i adopt what should i do any recommendation. hiras

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

PVD does not cause light sensitivity in most people suggest you see an ophthalmologist for repeat exam.
JCH MD