Concussion, floaters, retinal detachment risk?

[Evy_Potter]

Suffered a concussion 10 months ago which resulted in new floaters. Saw ophthalmologist (3 times) who performed a dilated slit lamp exam and said retina looks healthy but that I may have PVD. Discharged me and told me to go to A&E if I have symptoms of RD. I also saw 4 different optometrists in the last 2 months, all of whom were confused by the PVD diagnosis. They performed slit lamp exams and OCT scans and detected no PVD. One said the “new” floaters could be smaller, old floaters which clumped together when I hit my head. They also said I’m at no particular risk of RD. I asked to go back to the ophthalmologist but my GP won’t refer me as there is nothing worrying in my report and the waiting list is very long. How worried should I be about retinal detachment? I feel like I can’t stop focusing on the new floaters and they make me very anxious. I basically expect RD to happen imminently. I am 28, healthy, and apart from having hypermetropia, I have no other eye concerns.

Thank you!

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

Get on the list to see an ophthalmologist, ideally a retina specialist. Optometrists training is not equivalent.  Without worsening of floaters, development of flashes or loss of field of vision or family history of RD, risk is low but need to be examined to reassure you completely.