vitreous seperation

[dreamin']

This weekend I had floaters and flashes of light in my left eye. After a trip to the ER and to an opthamologigt on Sunday an acute tear in the vitreous was indicated. I asked the doctor about diving. He said resume ALL activities after three days. His comment was this can be a precursor to a retinal tear. If that is going to happen it will happen in its own good time. As long as I can get to him in 24 to 48 hours a retinal tear can be repaired. My question is is he right? Is this condition "dive neutral"? Do I ignore it and go about my normal diving? Or do I sell my gear and take up knitting?
I should add I was not diving when this occured. He indicated it is the result of "getting old" and is quite common. I've never heard of it before although that dosen't mean much!

 

[pdoege]

I popped the retina off the back of my left eye. If you get to the doctor early enough, they can normally just laser the retina back on, no problem.

I had a lot of complications, and lost a lot of vision as a result.

The idea is to continue your life as per normal and if you see a piece of your vision missing or screwy go to the doctor and get it fixed.

Apparently this is not a condition that can be fixed until it is broken, so to speak.

Not a doctor, this is just my experience.

Peter

 

[pdoege]

I did have a recurrence of the "flashies" and I told my doctor that I wanted him to laser it down just to be safe.

He agreed.

The laser surgery isn't pleasant. Feels like someone is popping you in the eye with a rubber band.

My retina has not budged since. I do get the occasional fireworks display.

Just one of my quirks

Peter

 

[MMMerritt]

I would consider getting another opinion from another opthamologist, one familar with diving! I would not dive, fly or expose myself to any pressurized environments before getting some more opinions and information on this. The Vitreous as you may know is basically the clear gel like substance which light travels through to the back of the eye. I'm not familar with "Vitreous Tears" I guess it's possible to tear gel? Depending on what caused this injury in the first place and any treatments you may recieve to treat this condition should help in the decision to dive or not. If I may offer one very important bit of advice, if there is any possibility of a air/gas bubble inside the eye as a result of your injury, treatment or any other reasons, DO NOT DIVE!!! I am not a doctor! My advice in this message is only intended for you to dicuss with your medical professionals if you find it helpful. I almost lost vision in my left eye and have had many treatments/operations to help save my vision.
Good Luck!

 

[dreamin']

Thanks for the replies guys! When it comes to vision you can't be too paranoid.

 

[pdoege]

A vitreous tear is caused by the vitreous pulling the retina away from the back of the eye.

There are several different "fixes". Among other things, they can remove the vitreous and replace it, and they can just laser down the retina. Apparently these things sometimes fix themselves too.

Go figure.

For me, they did the removal (a vitrectomy), the laser, air insertion, and a schleral buckle. Whoo!

Anyway, if the doctor says to go about life until something happens I would do just that.

No need to limit yourself unnecessarily.

That being said, I am not a doctor, etc.

Peter

 

[beepbird]

I'm not a doctor either but I used to work for an ophthalmic company and have seen lots of eye ball surgeries.

The retina is as thin as a sheet of kleenex. The retina is not really firmly attached to the eye by physical means, (ie connective tissue). It is adjacent to the choroid layer which has all the blood vessels in the back of the eye. The positive pressure kind of pushes the retina against it. Think of it as two balloons, one inside of another. Nutients diffuse from the blood layer to the various layers of your retina. If your retina has detached from the eye, it can't get the nutrients it needs to live and start to die off resulting in blind spots that do not grow back. Hence the need to take care of it quickly.

Laser tacking creates a physical scar that welds the surfaces together. Sceral buckling is like putting a belt around the whole structure.

Find a good retinal doctor who will address all your concerns. I have watched way too many surgeries to take my sight for granted.

Lindy

 

[Lloyd]

Dreamin,
Since I am a Dr., this is general information not specific advice. Diving is generally safe after a vitreal detachment. The fluid in your eye prevents it from compressing. I would avoid violent head movements for awhile. No kick boxing. You should be re-dialated after no more than one month even if you notice no new flashes. Some times retinal tears are too little to see the first time.
Caught early, retinal detachments are generally easy to fix.
Lloyd

 

[dreamin']

Thanks for the reply. I went to a retina specialist (with much trepidation) No tear so far. He indicated the next three to four weeks I am the most vunerable to having one. Nothing to be done to prevent it other then what you suggested. I asked him directly about my diving and it turns out he is an avid diver! He told me not to worry. Keep diving just watch out for any changes.

BIG SIGH of relief.

 

[pdoege]

Glad to hear about your progress.

I wouldn't wish the crap that I went through on anyone.

Take it easy,
Peter Doege