PVD related questions

Hi Doctor can you kindly provide professional advice for my following questions about PVD:

1. Generally speaking what is the average age people begin to have PVD? How about for high myopia people?

2. I am a high myopia patient with both eyes > 10 diopter. If I can see light flash in the dark even if there is no rapid eye movement (namely not phosphene) do I need to do thorough dilated eye exam immediatly?

3. I know very very few PVD leads to RT or RD. However does it mean more risks for high myopia person? What shall we do during PVD stage to prevent RD as much as possible?

4. For high myopia person like me if I have PVD do I need to stop jogging and wait until PVD is over? After I develop PVD do I need to do eye exam more frequently in case there is any tear on retina because of PVD development?

5. My local retina specialist told me light flash can be stopped by operation through cut the mechanical pull of vitreous to retina. Is that true and how about the risk?

6. How to diagnose PVD? Generally what is the exam fee? Can it be covered by general medical insurance in US? I may do it in one month in NYC.

Thank you very much.

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

PVD's usually occur in the 50's 60's 70's and 80's.  They might occur earlier in a very nearsighted person because vitreous humor has a larger area to span.  If you have new flashes you should be seen by ophthalmologist right away, particularly if you have high myopia.  If you have been diagnosed with a new PVD, you should limit vigorous activity until the ophthalmologist gives you the ok to resume regular activites.  THe more vigorous you move around the higher the chances that an early partial PVD could lead to a retinal tear or detachment.  I would stop jogging until you get the OK from your ophthalmologist.  Vitrectomy surgery would not usually be done to stop flashes or prevent a retinal detachemet because in most cases the vitreous separates from retina on its own without a retinal tear or detachment.  PVD is diagnosed by physically looking at vitreous and retinal with indirect ophthalmolscope and fundus biomicroscopy.  Your exam might be anywhere from $130 to $250 for starters depending on the doctor.  

By the way, if you have not seen ophthalmologist yet, you should be seen tomorrow!!!!!  You could have a retinal tear or retinal detachment.

MJK MD