Posterior vitreous detachment

[prind]

My ophthalmologist has diagnosed me with PVD, but I haven't yet received answers to the following questions and would appreciate some help. I'm wondering if the distracting, annoying, continuous symptoms are EVER going to go away (the bright "thread" lights and other sparkling lights, and a large distinct cobweb of floaters). I would also like to know if horseback riding and ATV riding over rough terrain might aggravate the condition to the point of causing a retinal tear. And finally is there a natural remedy or vitamin, like Lutein, that might help with this condition. Sorry to load up the list with so many questions, but I really feel like I need some help!

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

Kivrin is pretty much right. THe highest risk of a retina tear is in the first 6 weeks after the vitreous starts to detach. Ask your ophthalmologist about your activities. Only an Eye MD that's looked in the eye can tell you about your activities.

Lutein is for macular degeneration and perhaps cataract prevention not help PVD.

JCH MD

[kivrin]

Yes it will go away, hopefully without the tear though. Horseback/atv riding, anything that jars the body (therefore the head) could definitely cause a tear. What is happening: there are collagen fibers in the jelly in your eye that are catching on the retina and pulling it -- that is what is causing your "sparkles."

There isn't an herbal/pharmaceutical remedy. Time is the only thing that will allow the vitreous to settle down and stop "tugging." Try and avoid anything strenuous .. and if you get any changes in vision -- particularly dark spots .. call your doctor immediately!