Which activities should I avoid during a posterior vitreous detachment?
FEB 03, 2022
Question:
Are there any activities that should be avoided if one is undergoing a posterior vitreous detachment? Can I do my normal chores around the house?
Answer:
A posterior vitreous detachment (or a PVD, when the vitreous detaches from the back of the eye) itself is not not a sign of disease, but a normal part of aging. Although sometimes during a PVD, the vitreous tugs too hard on the retina, which can lead to a retinal hole/tear or retinal detachment. So we always tell patients to see their ophthalmologist immediately should they see new floaters, flashing lights, or dark curtains in their vision.
To my knowledge there are no data showing that normal chores around the house lead to complications from a PVD. I always tell patients, however, to avoid activities such as skydiving, bungee jumping, or bumper car rides, where there is potential for whiplash injury, when they have been diagnosed with complications of PVD such as those mentioned above (retinal tear, hole, or retinal detachment). In addition, after surgery for any of these complications, I restrict my patients from water in the eye for one week and heavy lifting for one month while the surgical wounds heal.