Flash in vision - one year after having complete PVD

[TvTipp]

I had a vitreous detachment a year ago that I was told was complete via OCT and numerous dilated exams.  There was a hemmorhage at the time which cleared. I was surprised this happened as I am in my early 30s, so not very common.

A month or so ago the floaters became far worse and I was reexamined with no tears found.  Now I am getting a large white flash when looking up at the sky or up at night.  Again, reexamined and nothing found.  Has this happened to anyone else so long after a complete pvd?  Is a retinal tear or detachment imminent?  How is there still traction?  Any help is appreciated.  Retina specialist said I was at low risk for complications at this point.

As an aside, the floaters and flashes started after a course of fluoroquinolones - cipro.

[JohnHaganMD]

Latest research indicates cipro type medications do not cause PVD or RD any more than general population. A PVD rarely ever detaches 100% and remains attached around the rim of the retina near the part of the eye called the ora serratta.  This is called the "vitreous base"   Even with all the tests we do OCT, dilated exams, ophthalmoloscopy its not possible to tell with a PVD is 50% or 60% or 70% or any % detached. We know that the highest risk of a RD or retina tear is within the first 3 months after that risks are much lower.  Yes there are many people that post about flashes especially at night or in the dark with eye movement longer after PVD, or successful RD surgery.

[TvTipp]

Dr. Hagan,
Thank you for clarifying. In talking to my retina specialist, I was under the impression that the PVD was complete upon the formation of the Weiss ring.

Even though it has been a year, I have extremely  severe floaters in the PVD eye. A Weiss ring which I understand is permanent, but the entire vitreous apperas to be hazy and filled with many, many dark strands.  Almost like a large moving sheet or web across my vision in most all light but much worse outdoors.  The specialist did say that my vitreous appeared to be very "clumpy" but that he never recommends vitrectomy due to its inherent risks. Curious if anyone on the board has seen clearing or further liquification of the vitreous leading to clearer vision over time.  I have read online that this happens in three to six months, but my floaters are worsening one year out.

Thank you again for your time.

[JohnHaganMD]

Well I have a large Weiss Ring in my RE and lots of floaters for many years. Took me a long time to learn to ignore them and not be aware of them. Generally a year is adequate for most people to develop neuroadaptation.  There is no good treatment for floaters. A vitrectomy cares with it the certainty that the natural lens will develop a cataract. Other risks infection, bleeding, retinal detachment, swelling of the macula, double vision and even continuing to see floaters.  Laser treatment has not been very successful.  I am aware of many of my patients that never thought they would get use to floaters that eventually don't even notice them anymore.