Exercise induced PVD

[hoyt16]

Is it possible that Peripheral Vitreous Detachment (PVD) could be caused or precipitated by exercise? I was using the Total Gym at home yesterday doing pullovers and inclined squats and the next day I had flashing lights and floaters which was diagnosed by my local Optometrist as PVD. The examination was pretty thorough and I was told to watch for any increase in flashes or floaters and to come back in 5 days for follow-up. Also should I follow-up with an ophthalmologist? I normally go up to Wilmer in Baltimore but it takes all day and the local O.D. was really close.

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

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[dukey]

There is no evidence that exercise causes PVD. None.

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

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