Mr

[jommo]

Dear Doctor

About a year ago cataract was detected in my both eyes and recommended a cataract operation. I was hesitant to do it fearing the downsides of retinal detachment. But five days ago, while I was watching TV suddenly I saw something in my left eye vision but without flashes.  Looks like ribbon in shape, reddish color waving from up to down. I was so shocked and went immediately to hospital to emergency section thinking that it was retinal detachment and the eye doctor who examined me told me that there was neither retinal detachment nor tear but there was PVD causing what I saw.  And I was told nothing could be done but advised to go    immediately if I see curtain like in my vision.

But now my sight as result of this dramatically has decreased.  And I see very little with this left eye. (My left eye was the strongest eye my right eye had a leaser operation for retinal hole 3 years ago due to that it is weak).  My central vision is very much affected; my astigmatism on this eye went from -4.5 to -7.25. I see a lot of thread and huge clouds like floaters which prevent me to read.  All my vision covered with dust like particles. I am worried and nervous. I made an appointment to see another doctor for another opinion on 13. 02. 08. But in the mean time I would be grateful to answer me the following questions:

1. Does PVD  reduce vision drastically
2. Does PVD results high astigmatism
3. Is it normal to have PVD without flashes
4. Does PVD result glaucoma
5. Does PVD worsens cataract
6. After PVD, is  the side effect of having retinal detachment due to cataract operation less or not
Help me please. I am very much devastated. I am not able to work.

Sincerely

Jommo

[amy777]

A related discussion, vitreous separation was started.

[jommo]

Thank you very much doctor. I have now clear thought for some of my questions from your answer. And I am now thinking may be the very blurred vision, spider web, lines and threads could be the result of bleeding into the vitreous caused by Vitreous Haemorrhages razor than PVD.
Can you please tell me the main differences between PVD and Vitreous Haemorrhages symptoms so that I follow it up? Is it difficult for ophthalmologist to determine between the too? I have an appointment with another ophthalmologist after 5 hours from now what do you suggest I should ask him to examine me in particular? ( sorry  if my question is nonsense)

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

I'm making certian assumptions - namely that your were seen by an ophthalmologist and had a complete dilated eye exam.  If that is the case then you should be in good hands and need to follow the advice given to you.  If the floaters are large and central they can reduce your vision - yes - but if vision very blurred it makes wonder if there has been bleeding into vitreous.  PVD has nothing to do with astigmatism.  Usually there are some flashes initially with PVD but not always.  PVD has no effect on glaucoma and has no effect on cataract.  If the PVD occurs and the vitreous safely  and completely separates from retina then, in theory, if retina is completely intact with no holes or tears, then subsquent risk of retinal detachment could be a little less because it is very often the actual force of separation of the vitreous from the retina that causes retinal tears and detachments.

MJK MD