Eye Issue Post PVD

[Bridget857]

Hope Dr Hagan can calm me down!
Quick summary -66 yr old female. Had PVD right eye in 2018. Vitreous hemorrhage but no other issues other than annoying floaters. In April 2023 had cataract surgery. Left eye had issue getting haptic in capsule. Noticed afterward continued irritation in eye, feels like eyelash. Might be dry eye but it’s only this eye.
Now the problem. Had a PVD with flashes and floaters in left eye Aug 7. Went to ophthalmologist and yes, PVD, but no tears. Will see him in 2 weeks for followup.
Here’s the issue. I can “see” my heart beating in the left eye with the PVD. It’s a pulsing blip in sync with my pulse. I’ve seen that in the past, in both eyes, when I’ve strained or lifted a heavy item, but it was both eyes and it was only a few seconds.
This is happening just in the one eye. No other symptoms like headache or other vision disturbances. My eye does seem “strained” and very dry. Using drops to help with that.
Checked my BP but it was fine -I do take medication for hypertension. I have slightly wide pulse pressure. Resting heart rate is 64.
Trying not to worry since there are no other symptoms and it’s just one eye, but it’s concerning me. Yes, I’ll tell the doctor when I see him, but I’d like some reassurance. I am very aware of my body -I notice every skipped beat I have, lol. But this is real and I’m concerned I’m overlooking something.
Could it be the shifting vitreous is sitting in, or pushing on my veins or retina?
Thank you in advance for any help.

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

Seeing a light light pulsation with the heart beat is quite common. I have it frequently. It is more common in slow pulse rate, wide pulse pressure, dim light, and observent individuals. It is not generally related to a PVD, other than PVD makes a person more attentive and tuned to eye symptoms. Not sure what you mean by trouble getting haptic in capsule. If there was 'capsular tear" with or without vitreous loss it increased the need to watch this PVD carefully.  As you know warning symptoms would be sudden increase in the number of floaters, development of bright flashes of light of short duration or loss of field of vision. My personal habit is to have patients follow up with a retina consultant in about 3-4 weeks after the initial exam with a general/comprehensive ophthalmologist. Retina specialists are exceedly adept at exam of the peripheral retina and finding small tears/holes/localized RDs.   Dry eyes is a who different issue, common as dirt, more common unfortunately in post menopausal females. Regular use of an emperically chosen artificial tear takes care of most people. Optimal drops might have to be used 2-4 X day. I hope by now you are 'calmed down"

[Bridget857]

Thank you very much for your detailed answer. I am returning soon to my eye doctor and will discuss. I think you are correct that I’m “focused” on the eye and noticing more than I normally would. Have a great day and thank you again.

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

Happy to be of help