Can I use eye drops with a PVD?
FEB 22, 2024
Question:
I was diagnosed with a posterior vitreous detachment a week ago and am feeling some pain and irritation from dry eyes. Is it safe to use drops, and if so what kind? What can I expect to happen over the next few weeks? I am having a lot of anxiety over this and am traveling out of the country in 5 weeks, which doesn't seem like a great idea.
Answer:
A posterior vitreous detachment (or PVD, when the vitreous gel inside the eye separates from the back of the eye due to age) is a completely painless event so your discomfort is probably from your dry eyes.
It is safe to use artificial tears, but you see your ophthalmologist to determine if you have any underlying conditions that may be aggravating your dry eyes. In more than 90 percent (9 out of 10) of people, a PVD is a benign (harmless) event, although the floaters can be disturbing. Typically, the floaters improve or become less noticeable over weeks to months. You should see your ophthalmologist immediately if you notice worsening of the floaters, flashing lights, or loss of vision.
This question was originally answered on Nov. 23, 2015.