Question
I was seeing the flashing line and some floaters and was diagnosed by opthamologist with PVD yesterday (I had been seeing some from of this flashing line for a couple months, but it got really noticable over the weekend). He said everything looks fine, retina is good and it's a normal PVD and scheduled me for a followup in about 4-6 weeks. When I asked him about whether I could continue my normal activities (running, weights, golf), he just said to tone it down, but wasn't real specific (he seemed to indicate golf was ok).
From what I've been reading, once the vitreous is completely detached, then it seems like I can do what I want, but until that happens (and mine hasn't completely detached yet), there seems to be a mixed bag of advise on what to do or not do.
What would you recommend to your patient?
I'm going on a golf vacation during thanksgiving and would hate to not be able to play.
Thanks.
Answer
Dear CC,
Ideally, this would be answered by a retinal specialist.
yes, during the transient time when the vitreous is 'getting detached' it does pose a risk to retinal detachment in presence of trauma, jerks, jumps etc.
hence, the advise to take it easy.
Only a dilated eye check would determine what is actually happening inside the eyes.
My recommendation would be to see your eye specialist a day or two before your trip, this will give you a clearer picture of current eye status.
You can still go on a vacation and follow the same advise which you would have followed in your hometown.
Till then, take it easy on any vigorous activities and lifting of heavy weights and objects, mostly it would settle down by then.
Hope this helps, you could also look up the information we have on the site www.shroffeye.org under flashes and floaters.
Best regards,
Dr Anand Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
