What is the cause of the infamous “I’ve got Floaters”? It is usually a diagnosis of Posterior Vitreous Detachment, that is often a benign finding. However, it can be a warning sign of more serious complications. One symptom patients experience with a “PVD” are floaters which are shadowy shapes that appear like they are floating in your line of vision. These shapes can look like spots, cobwebs, or bugs. Other symptoms are blurry or hazy vision, flashes of light, or what appears to be a shadow or curtain anywhere in the field of vision. Patients should contact the office if any of these symptoms develop to rule out other retina issues that can come along with a posterior vitreous detachment.
We diagnose a PVD through a fully dilated eye exam. If no retinal break is found, the patient will be scheduled for a follow up examination with scleral depression in 2 to 4 weeks, 2 to 3 months, and 6 months after symptoms first develop. If no retinal break is found, but mild vitreous hemorrhage or peripheral punctate retinal hemorrhages are present, follow up examinations are performed 1 week, 2 to 4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after the occurrence. If no retinal break is found, but vitreous hemorrhage or anterior pigmented vitreous cells are present, a repeat examination is performed the next day because there is a high likelihood of a retinal break.
If you have been experiencing new floaters, please call the office 24-7 and we can get you in for an examination!
