An opthalmologist is an eye M.D. Opthalmologists can choose to specialize in a certain field which pertains to different aspects of the eye. A retinal specialist is an eye M.D. (opthalmologist) who specializes in treating retinal and vitreous problems, including retinal detachments, diabetic retinopathy, macular holes, etc.
Delivering of your son is likely not a contributing factor.
Some of the major contributing factors to RDs' are:
High degree of myopia
Family history of RD
RD in fellow eye
Cataract surgery
My retinal detachment was preceded by PVD. My ophthalmolgost dod not eve tell me I had PVD. Minimized my flashing light, even though I was high risk.
I lost 80% of my vision in that eye, as a result.
Also, my retinologist was going to do nothing to protect my other eye, until I woke him up during a visit one day, tugged on his coat, and bent his elbow.
He lasered my other eye, only because I prompted him. I think it could work out, because I have had PVD. Research says not to 360 laser with no PVD.
My doctor tried to tell me unequivocally that my second retina would not detach. I said nothing. I do not believe that. I am always "watching "both eyes.
You should always see an MD, not optometrist.
It is possible that you have had a posterior vitreous detachment of the eye and now have floaters. Thes spots can be annoying at first but over time become less noticeable. When the vitreous separates from the retina, light flashes can occur and it may be associated with traction on the retina. Retinal tears, holes, hemorrhages, and/or retinal detachment may ensue which is why a dilated examination is necessary. I would recommend getting rechecked by an retinal specialist and again, in four to six weeks.
Hallo, ladybirdie, it's good to know that nothing is wrong with your eyes. Wish you luck and all the best.
Well, I saw the opthamologist today, and had a thorough 1 hr. examination. There is no tear or possible detatchment, not even a diagnosis of PVD. The Dr. can find absolutely NOTHING wrong with my eyes, or any reason to worry. He said that having flashes in the central vision is not very common. His final statement was that he believes that I am simply more sensitive visually to the workings of the eyes, and for some reason are noticeing things that were unoticed before. He asked me to wait six months, especially since the streak flashes are beginning to happen less frequently. If the flashes are still happening in six months, he is recommending a Neurologist.
Mine were always in the peripheral vision. The swirling dots at the time my retina detached, were in the central vision and in the periphery, I now remember that at the scariest point, there were lights in the central vision, as well as in the periphery,
I am describing detachment, however.
We do no want you two to have that experience,
Dear ladybirdie, plese, don't forget to write back when you see the othamologist. Last year my flashes were more frequent, now- once a day, or once a week. I'm short-sighted but my sight didn't become worse. I don't stop thinking about dangerous brain conditions :((( although I am in a good health. These flashes are driving me mad.
Hi there, yes, these flashes are always in my central vision, never peripheral... I see the othamologist on Thursday morning, will update you on outcome. However, after having these streaks for 6 weeks plus, I think I'm actually seeing them less frequently now. I find this whole thing very strange, especially since I don't fall into any of the high risk categories for PVD. Thanks for your feedback!
Dear Anna, ladiebirdie also has flashes in the central vision. Yours were in the peripheral vision or in the central?
Sveti, what does your ophthalmologist say about your flashes? PVD flashes can continue for some time following PVD, but I have never heard of PVD flashes in the central vision, but I am not a doctor.
Ladiebirdie, my PVD flashes were very similar to yours. You a a helpful optometrist, both of you.
Take care of your eyes, with your doctor's help.
I have exactly the same- in central vision, very short in duration, I am 30 years old female. I have them already 2 years :( and I'm worried about my brain too.
Thank you so much for answering my question. I have an appt. with an Opthamologist this week. What is the difference between a Retinal specialist and an Opthamologist?
The previously seen Optomitrist gave me a fact sheet on signs of retinal detatchment, and offered his best advice to get to Emergency if I havd any symptoms, flashes like a camera flash in peripheral vision, the visual of a curtain coming over the eye etc. My symptoms remain the same, unchanged. But, I am now aware that these symptoms can preceed a serious event such as retinal detatchment.
While I have perfect vision (I'm 32 yrs old), isn't it strange to have this condition when I have no existing contributing factors- is the extreme pressure I experienced during delivery of my son a possible contributing factor, or is that totaly impossible?
Thanks again for your time