Diving with “posterior vitreous separation”
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ssimpala
Registered
Messages 12 Reaction score 0 Location Ohio
I recently had a vision problem – I was seeing flashing lights in my peripheral vision when out at night. Saw an opthomologist who diagnosed ‘posterior vitreous separation’ which is where the gel inside the eyeball separates from the lining of the eye causing a flashing light sensation. He said it would get better with time and is actually quite commom as you get older (I’m 55) When I asked him about diving with this condition he said I should be fine, just don’t go really deep. As he was not a scuba diver, I was unable to get a clear definition from him as to what he considered “really deep”. Problem is, I’m going on a dive vacation next week and am planning to get myAOW there which, of course, includes a deep dive. Anyone out there been diving with this condition? We’re leaving 11/09 so any reassurance would be appreciated. Thanks so much!
Cacia
Contributor
Scuba Instructor
Divemaster
Messages 63,269 Reaction score 16,551
I should be fine, just don’t go really deep.
I agree, scary answer. Get some more informed opinions, I’d say.
(I would be asking what is in the “void” created by the seperation so that I could inquire about the physics, myself. I thought bubbles and particulate caused flashes, I’d need to pin that part down. I have heard of microbubble emboli in retinal arteries and I would be full of questions. Obviously, you would not want to increase the seperation. I wonder what they think caused this in the first place? Sometimes that could be a clue. Personally, I find all the answers are not always out there and you have to use your gut.
I would at least wait and not dive when the visual disturbances were “fresh”.
Dr. Doug Ebersole
Contributor
Scuba Instructor
Messages 1,790 Reaction score 506 Location Lakeland, Florida
I’m a cardiologist, not an ophthalmologist but I can’t think why greater depths would be a problem for a non-compressible fluid filled structure like the vitreous portion of your eye. However, it’s your vision we’re talking about. Call DAN and get some expert advice. If needed, they can refer you to a diving-knowledgeable ophthalmologist in your area.
IANTD and TDI CCR Trimix Instructor
IANTD CCR Cave Instructor
Reactions: crofrog
ssimpala
Registered
Messages 12 Reaction score 0 Location Ohio
Thanks for your reply. I’ve been thinking about contacting DAN and need to look into how to do that. Quicker to e-mail or phone? Thanks again, starting to feel a little calmer.
gert7to3
Contributor
Messages 1,169 Reaction score 121 Location Northwest Michigan now, formerly Chicago # of dives 200 – 499
I’m an ophthalmic photographer, not a physician, but perhaps could offer some insight.
Your eye’s shape is maintained by the vitreous humor. Vitreous is not a simple fluid filling the eyeball, but a membrane filled with a thin (watery) gel. As we age this membrane breaks down and can separate, sometimes unevenly, from the retina. This separation causes traction, which stimulates the retina, resulting in the sensations of flashing lights you are experiencing. Since your eye is still completely fluid filled, there shouldn’t be any greater risk from diving. There are no bubbles forming. Think in terms of pulling a piece of Saran Wrap off the bottom of a bowl filled with water.
I’m 57 and can document my own vitreous separating using an optical coherence tomography microscope.
You should keep track of this by covering each eye separately and checking their respective visual fields. By keeping both eyes open you won’t squint and induce visual effects.
The things to watch out for: If you experience flashes in brightly lighted rooms; if you see a bunch of floaters or spots suddenly form, especially accompanied by flashes; if you see a shadow form in your visual field. Have this checked out immediately by an eye doctor. High myopes (nearsighted) people are most susceptible to complications from vitreous separation.
Dive safe, be confident.
dreamworkandtravel
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