topic Re: Vitreous Detachment in Wellness

Vitreous Detachment

Ainhisg — Mon, 23 Apr 2018 13:17:15 GMT

Have any of you had any experience with flashing lights in your peripheral vision caused by a vitreous detachment? How long did it take for the lights to stop?

Mid-March, I started seeing cascading lights in my right eye's peripheral vision. It would just be when the room was dim/dark and maybe 2 or 3 times an evening tops. I would sometimes go a couple of days without seeing the lights, but then they would return. I researched online, and my symptoms indicated a vitreous detachment. I read symptoms could continue for 3-6 months.

In early April, I saw my optometrist just to be for sure. I did indeed have a vitreous detachment, but he said it should stop by the beginning of May (approximately 7-8 weeks after it started), and if it hasn't, that I should come back for another checkup, and he will do a little more in-depth testing. I just wondered if anyone has experienced this.

Re: Vitreous Detachment

Another new name Sue — Mon, 23 Apr 2018 13:22:47 GMT

I have not had this but wonder if you should be seeing an MD, an ophthalmologist. Good luck with the condition.

Re: Vitreous Detachment

gizmogal — Mon, 23 Apr 2018 13:26:03 GMT

Maybe it’s time to see a doctor? An ophthalmologist might be more helpful for your condition than an optometrist. There are benefits to medical training and clinical experience greater than optometry school. At least you can get more reassurance than hoping a few weeks more will relieve it.

Re: Vitreous Detachment

NicksmomESQ — Mon, 23 Apr 2018 13:33:29 GMT

I don’t want to alarm you but you should see an ophthalmologist.You could have a detached retina which would need to be lasered to protect your vision in that eye.DH had a vitreous detachment last summer.The optometrist advised him to see an ophthalmologist.

He saw the ophthalmologist who ruled out a detached retina.His condition has improved considerably but hasn’t completely disappeared yet.He goes for regular checkups to make sure his retina isn’t detaching.

Good luck @Ainhisg

Re: Vitreous Detachment

Junebug54 — Mon, 23 Apr 2018 13:33:24 GMT

@Ainhisg I had the exact same thing about a year ago. I did see an apthalmologist and was told it would decrease in a few weeks and it did. Haven't had an issue since. Good luck.

Re: Vitreous Detachment

shoppersince1989 — Mon, 23 Apr 2018 13:45:23 GMT

I have had that. Saw it more at night, and it flashed as a sliver.

Did go to an ophthalmologist, and later a retina specialist.

It was a vitreous detachment. Sign of aging, or as the doc called it "Like a wrinkle in my eye" (sigh).

Eventually it did stop flashing.

About a year later, the same thing happened to the other eye.

Re: Vitreous Detachment

blueroses47 — Mon, 23 Apr 2018 13:58:17 GMT

I did have a bout with this, the flashing lights and floaters, about 4 years ago. It came on suddenly. I had it checked out, and went back for a 2nd checkup. The symptoms subsided and I was told I was okay

The following year, I had a problem with my retina but had no warning signal like the flashing and floaters. All of a sudden, straight lines appeared wavy. I immediately went to the eye doctor, and was told I had a wrinkled retina caused by the pulling away of the vitreous fluid. There is a procedure to try to smooth the retina, but it doesn't have guaranteed good results (the dr said "80% of the people experience a 40% improvement.) so they don't do it unless you are desperate, I guess.

I have to say this bad eye has been the bane of my existance. It really has changed my vision and annoys me greatly. It's been a rough adjustment, for all activities, even reading and watching television. Often I cover the bad eye, just for some relief and wanting to see clearly.

I don't want to say the flashes or spots had anything directly to do with this "wrinkling", but it was the predecessor, so that's when I say all my problems began.

I know people who have had the flashes, and of course, the "floaters", and nothing serious comes of it, so that can definately be the case.

I guess it's different for everyone. I do see a retina specialist regularly.

Re: Vitreous Detachment

tucsongal — Mon, 23 Apr 2018 14:29:35 GMT

Last year I suddenly developed flashes and floaters and immediately went to see a retina specialist. I’m fine but later needed a laser treatment(for another issue). I don’t believe that an optometrist is qualified to manage such issues.

Re: Vitreous Detachment

BLH — Mon, 23 Apr 2018 15:11:11 GMT

A vitreous detachment is very common. A piece of the gel like substance in your eye breaks loose and it floats around. Sometimes it just happens. It can be very large or very small. It can come from a large hard sneeze or something like that. I'm sure your optometrist would send you to a retina specialist if they thought it was necessary. I wouldn't be jumping or bouncing around or making any sudden moves with my head. If it gets worse then you have to go back to your doctor.

Re: Vitreous Detachment

Ainhisg — Mon, 23 Apr 2018 15:38:39 GMT

Thank you for the replies. Believe me--I would have rather seen an ophthalmologist! I saw my optometrist for two reasons: 1) I could get in the next day, and 2) I can't get into any ophthalmologist without a referral (and from whom--I don't know.) I found this out several years ago when I started having ocular migraines and wanted to see an ophthalmologist.

I think I will call the two ophthalmologist offices in my insurance plan and see if this condition will warrant someone seeing me without a referral or if I need a referral, see from whom I need to get one.

ETA: I just called the office that has the better reputation, and someone is going to call me back later today. The receptionist said she didn't have any immediate openings. I wonder what someone is supposed to do in case of emergency? I mean, I know what to look for in case of a retinal detachment. If that would happen, who would I call or where would I go? The emergency room?

Re: Vitreous Detachment

ID2 — Mon, 23 Apr 2018 15:27:07 GMT

Every time I see my ophthalmologist they always ask if I've had any flashing in my vision. I'd get into a doctor ASAP because it really doesn't sound good.

Re: Vitreous Detachment

PinkyPetunia — Mon, 23 Apr 2018 15:37:19 GMT

You get the referral from your primary care doctor. Do you have one? Call their office and say you need a referral to an opthalmologist.

Re: Vitreous Detachment

Ainhisg — Mon, 23 Apr 2018 16:03:06 GMT

@PinkyPetunia wrote:
You get the referral from your primary care doctor. Do you have one? Call their office and say you need a referral to an opthalmologist.

Thank you! Yes, I have a primary care doctor. The ophthalmologist office is supposed to call me back this afternoon. If they can't get me in to see a doctor in a reasonable amount of time, I will call my doctor's office to get a referral from him. Do you think that will speed the process along?

Re: Vitreous Detachment

Dawnie — Mon, 23 Apr 2018 16:08:07 GMT

I experienced vitreous detachment also. I immediately seen a retina specialist and continue to do so yearly.

Since taking Andrew Lessman eye supplements my floaters have disappeared. I don’t see the flashing lights anymore either.

Re: Vitreous Detachment

Ainhisg — Mon, 23 Apr 2018 17:11:39 GMT

Thank you, everyone, for sharing your experiences. The ophthalmologist office called back, and the way this office works, is that I have to see one of their optometrists first who does a dilation and every test an ophthalmologist would do--according to the person who called. They only take medical insurance as they are specialists in vision correction and diseases. Then if he deems there is a problem, I'm referred to an ophthalmologist right there in the building. I decided to go ahead and do that, since that would get me established in their practice. Also, if I would have a problem between now and my Wednesday appointment, I am to call them as they have a doctor on staff 24/7.

Re: Vitreous Detachment

Tribesters — Mon, 23 Apr 2018 17:30:46 GMT

@Ainhisg

@blueroses47

I have suffered with this for years. Blueroses47 explains it very well. I have made a couple trips to the eye doctor to rule out a detached retina. I am surprised some people have said the symptoms subside after a while. That hasn’t been the case for me. However, I’ve learned to try to avoid looking at bright lights which seems to help trigger the flashing lights. I’ve also been researching ocular migraines- which may also cause flashing lights-see paragraph below.

During an ocular migraine, or migraine with aura, you may see flashing or shimmering lights, zigzagging lines, or stars. Some people describe psychedelic images. It may also cause blind spots in your field of vision.

Since I sometimes have blind spots in my vision I am leaning towards ocular migraines causing my flashing lights. But I have been diagnosed with a macular pucker & vitreous detachment as well. So perhaps the lights, if caused by the vitreous detachment, will subside.

Re: Vitreous Detachment

Elri — Mon, 23 Apr 2018 18:23:38 GMT

@Ainhisg

I am pretty sure a vitreous detachment is a natural occurrence as the vitreous humor takes time to fully detach from the retina. It can cause the visual flashes, etc. I think that your flashes, etc., will eventually go away. BUT

You should still check with an ophthalmologist. A retinal doctor. Take no chances. It may be causing retinal problems and you need a professional retinal surgeon to take a look.

I have vitreomacular traction. The vitreous cannot detach and is pulling so hard on the retina that my sight has gone from 20/30 to 20/100 (with glasses). I hope and pray that it does detach (gently) and that I get my regular vision back.

Re: Vitreous Detachment

Elri — Mon, 23 Apr 2018 18:25:32 GMT

@Ainhisg

I also hope and pray that your eyes are fine and it is nothing serious!!! I sent post before I finished.

Re: Vitreous Detachment

Ainhisg — Mon, 23 Apr 2018 20:15:27 GMT

Thank you, @Elri , and everyone else. I'm glad you all encouraged me to see someone else.

Re: Vitreous Detachment

Elri — Mon, 23 Apr 2018 23:19:02 GMT

@blueroses47

Yes, It is most frustrating and depressing. I know what you are experiencing.

Ophthalmology has supposedly advanced in the last few years--but not nearly enough to restore vision without the frequency of serious problems after the surgery.

I am glad your other eye is unaffected.