Exercise & Posterior Vitreous Detachment

Being diagnosed with any kind of serious eye problem can be frightening. You start having symptoms, you make the appointment, the doctor pours a ton of drops into your eyes then blinds you with bright light. He spouts off some mumbo jumbo medical jargon and sends you on your way. If you have recently been diagnosed with a posterior vitreous detachment you may be feeling a little overwhelmed. You may be wondering what types of restrictions you should adhere to, including whether or not you can resume your normal exercise routine…

What is a Posterior Vitreous Detachment?

The posterior vitreous is a gel substance that fills the interior cavity of the eye between the lens and the retina. The vitreous is comprised of collagen, glycosaminoglycans and hyaluronic acid. As the eye ages the hyaluronic acid breaks down, the collagen fibrils lose their support, and ultimately the vitreous begins to detach away from the retina. When the vitreous collapses an annular ring, or Weiss Ligament, floats freely in they eye. This is a normal change that happens as the eye ages. It occurs usually when a person is in their 60's.

Symptoms of a Vitreous Detachment

One common symptom of a vitreous detachment is seeing a large floater (this is the Weiss ligament). Another common symptom is seeing flashes of light. These flashes are usually noted in the temporal visual field. Very commonly these flashes are most noticeable when a person shuts off a light or looks in an extreme field of gaze. Usually the vision is not decreased, but a cloud or cobweb is often detected floating across the field of vision.

Risks associated with a Posterior Vitreous Detachment

A posterior vitreous detachment in itself is normal. However, the attachment between the retina and vitreous is very strong. As the vitreous begins to collapse and tear away from the retina, sometimes this attachment is so strong that a tear or break can occur in the sensory retinal tissue as the vitreous separates from it. This break can in turn develop into a retinal detachment. A retinal detachment is a true ocular emergency requiring immediate surgery. Signs of a retinal detachment include an increase in floaters, a veil or curtain over the vision or an increase in flashes. If you start developing any of these symptoms you should contact your eye care provider immediately.

Exercise and Posterior Vitreous Detachment

Strenuous exercise should be avoided for six weeks after the onset of a posterior vitreous detachment. This is the time when the retina is most at risk for detachment. Avoid activities that are jarring such as running, aerobics, and basketball. Also avoid heavy lifting. After the diagnosis of a posterior vitreous detachment is made, typically you will be seen at a six to eight week interval following the initial visit. Your eye care provider will be able to determine if the vitreous is completely detached and the tension on the retina is gone. Wait for the all clear from your doctor to resume your regular activities.