How it all started
Last summer I had a scare with my eyesight and learned about an eye issue that is common in older adults (even though I had never heard of it before my diagnosis).
I didn’t have any unusual issues with my eyesight, until one day I started seeing flashes of light in the outer corner of my left eye. I noticed the flashes while walking, climbing stairs and when I was moving around. I thought I was having an ocular migraine aura, but when it continued for a few days, I wondered if it was something more. I also noticed that I was seeing floating spots and spiderwebs in my eye, and every so often I would swat in the air because it appeared like something was flying past my field of vision, but nothing was there. 🤪
I searched the internet for an answer
I’ve heard that it’s not wise to search the internet for health issues because the info you find will really make you worry, even more than you already are. And I found that to be true. I Googled my symptoms and the results kept pointing to a detached retina, with the possibility of totally losing my sight if not resolved quickly. And to top it off, I remember a friend telling me that she had a detached retina, that occurred with no warning, and she had to have surgery. So, all these scenarios were in my mind. 😰
I was able to locate a retina clinic nearby and called their 24-hour service. An intern called me back within a few hours and I explained my symptoms. She told me that it could be a variety of things and made an appointment for me later that morning. During the appointment they dilated my eyes and put in some numbing drops. I never had either of these things done to my eyes before, and while it wasn’t painful at all, the numbing drops felt a little weird.
After fully examining my eyes, the doctor informed me that it was not a detached retina, but rather a condition called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). He also shared that PVD (causing the flashes and floaters I was seeing in my vision) is a common eye issue as we age.
What is Posterior Vitreous Detachment?
The middle of the eye is filled with a substance called vitreous. The vitreous is normally attached to the retina, in the back of the eye. A posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) is when the vitreous pulls away from the retina. As we age, the vitreous changes. It becomes less solid and more liquid-like. It shrinks and pulls away from the back of the eye. The vitreous is attached to the retina by millions of tiny fibers. When enough of these fibers break, the vitreous separates completely from the retina, causing a PVD.
While many people won’t have any symptoms of PVD, some like me will experience the flashes and floaters. The doctor even advised me that since it’s a normal part of aging, I should not be surprised if I have the same symptoms in my right eye in the future. Research shows that over 75% of adults over the age of 65 develop PVD, and that it’s more common in women. The condition is normally not serious unless the detachment results in a retinal tear that would need to be repaired by a specialist.
The good news is that the flashing in my eye diminished over time and the floaters, while still there, are not as noticeable and I don’t swat the air as often. This experience took me completely by surprise and was a little concerning until I learned what it was. That’s why I’m sharing my experience with others, in case it happens to you, you’ll know a little of what to expect.
Have you experienced eye flashing, floaters or Posterior Vitreous Detachment?
Share your experience with PVD and how you deal with the flashing and floaters.