Question about PVD and Dilated Exam

[sstone1]

After a PVD, can a retinal specialist see areas of the vitreous that have not yet detached from the retina during a dilated exam?

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

Yes, a PVD is not an event, like a book falling off a table, it is a process that occurs over 4-8 weeks as the vitreous slowly strips off the back of the eye. That is why even if the retina looks okay patients are always told "If something changes, especially increase floaters, flashes of light like lightening or loss of field of vision com back immediately for repeat exam.

[sstone1]

Thank you Dr. Hagen for your prompt response.

I am 8 weeks past the start of the PVD,  I saw my retina specialist when it began and 4 weeks later and was told there was an area that was still attached.

I have not seen any flashes, or more. floaters since before I saw the doctor at the 4 week mark.

I have a Weiss ring and a lot of floaters but nothing more since, so is it still possible after all this time that the PVD is not complete?

[Ron_AKA]

I had my first PVD about 2 years ago now. I still see it although the ring shape has diminished in clarity.  I still see flashes of light when it is dark in the house. I am not sure if the flashes are from the PVD still detaching, or if it is reflections of light off the edges of my IOL.

[sstone1]

I have not had any flashes for the past 4 weeks, now at the 8 week mark since the beginning of the PVD.

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

It is important to know that many to most PVDs remain attached to the retina in some places, especially around the edge in what is called "the vitreous base"  So at any time the peeling off can stop. Highest risk of tear is first 6-8 weeks and in people with very high risk factor: retinal detachment in other eye, high myopia, previous cataract surgery especially if complications, family history of RD, etc.  To make it unanimous I have a Weiss Ring in my RE. Came on many years ago while I was in bed reading. Perfect circle and very large. I thought I would never get use to it but I have.  Any other questions let me know. Ron AKA as always thanks for your helpful comments. I'm not sure what the problem is in how MedHelp.org alogorythm but this formum is only getting about 3 posts/week.  Before MedHelp.org was sold we used to get 15-20 posts/day. Sad because I think a lot of people would kike quick access to information about eye problems.

[sstone1]

Thank you again for your response.

This is my second cataract surgery,   5 years ago I had my left eye done, had a PVD with the flashing for 5 weeks and got Weiss ring. No RD.

I had my right eye done in August, and the flashing began this past January, the Weiss ring appeared along with other floaters.

The retina doctor said  that I have an area of vitreous attached not at the base, but at the right upper periphery.  Does that mean that the traction on my retina could start again at any time?

If I rub my eye, could that cause the traction to start again?

Thank you in advance.

[MrPresley]

@Dr. Hagan in respect to forum traffic, you may recall the Frankenthread about  
“Floaters after eye dilation“ from 13 years ago that seemed to never die. That thread just refused to stay in the grave much of the time I was actively posting here, but dare I say it seems to have finally  left us, lol.

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

sstone:  Theoretically yes but in terms of risk extremely low after 6-8 weeks. Most of us middle age or more have some detached vitreous and some attached. If trouble starts usually warning symptoms like new floaters flashes or visual field problem

MrPresley: Nice to see you are staying with this forum. Yes i remember some of those threads that took on a life of there own and had 50 or more posts. I have voiced my concern to MedHelp but I don;t think they have coded their forum to come up high on internet searches.

[sstone1]

Thanks again Dr. Hagen.

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

Happy to help