Basically what causes PVDs is aging and liquifaction of the jello like vitreous in the back of the eye. Usually PVDs are spontaneous but sometimes a fall, auto accident, LASIK or exercise can cause them. This does not mean you should stop exercising but I advise my patients not to do heavy bending, lifting or stooping until the flashes stop.
A local Optom in no way compares with the World famous Wilmer or even a local opthalmologist. Forget going back to the optom in 5 days and go to Wilmer or a local ophthalmologist.
JCH MD
There is no evidence that exercise causes PVD. None.