Diving with "posterior vitreous separation"

[Canoe2u]

As an ophthalmologist, I'd like to address the concern regarding diving with posterior vitreous separation (PVS).

Posterior vitreous separation, or posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), occurs when the vitreous gel inside the eye separates from the retina. While PVD is a common age-related change and often occurs without significant symptoms, it can sometimes lead to complications such as retinal tears or detachments.

When considering activities like diving with PVD, it's essential to understand the potential risks involved. The change in pressure associated with diving, particularly during rapid descents and ascents, can theoretically exacerbate existing retinal issues, including tears or detachments. However, the actual risk varies depending on several factors, including the severity of the PVD and the presence of any underlying retinal pathology.

Therefore, I recommend consulting with your ophthalmologist before engaging in diving activities, especially if you have been diagnosed with PVD or have a history of retinal problems. Your ophthalmologist can assess your individual risk factors, conduct a thorough eye examination, and provide personalized recommendations based on your specific situation.

In general, it's essential to proceed with caution and prioritize your eye health when participating in activities that involve changes in pressure, such as diving. Regular eye examinations and open communication with your ophthalmologist are key to ensuring the safety of your vision, both in and out of the water.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out. Your eye health is our priority.

Best regards,
Ankit Desai, MD
Ophthalmologist

Thanks for posting, I have Mac tel and am getting checked for a possible retinal tear. Plan to go diving in three weeks on a Caribbean vacation. Will have a discussion with my ophthalmologist. I assume flying with the associated air pressure changes will also be a concern.

 

[apnea diver]

I got PVD in one eye a few years back. My ophthalmologist suggested that we have it "welded" in place with laser surgery, before it gets detached. He did, and after that the retina has been stable. I do annual retina scans and things are ok.

 

[crofrog]

As an ophthalmologist, I'd like to address the concern regarding diving with posterior vitreous separation (PVS).

Posterior vitreous separation, or posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), occurs when the vitreous gel inside the eye separates from the retina. While PVD is a common age-related change and often occurs without significant symptoms, it can sometimes lead to complications such as retinal tears or detachments.

When considering activities like diving with PVD, it's essential to understand the potential risks involved. The change in pressure associated with diving, particularly during rapid descents and ascents, can theoretically exacerbate existing retinal issues, including tears or detachments. However, the actual risk varies depending on several factors, including the severity of the PVD and the presence of any underlying retinal pathology.

Therefore, I recommend consulting with your ophthalmologist before engaging in diving activities, especially if you have been diagnosed with PVD or have a history of retinal problems. Your ophthalmologist can assess your individual risk factors, conduct a thorough eye examination, and provide personalized recommendations based on your specific situation.

In general, it's essential to proceed with caution and prioritize your eye health when participating in activities that involve changes in pressure, such as diving. Regular eye examinations and open communication with your ophthalmologist are key to ensuring the safety of your vision, both in and out of the water.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out. Your eye health is our priority.

Best regards,
Ankit Desai, MD
Ophthalmologist

What's your background in scuba diving?

Can you explain the physiology associated with how rapid descents and ascents could exacerbate retinal issues? What do you consider rapid?

 

[tdurinzi]

Just diagnosed with PVD myself! Heading to Bonaire next week. Doc didn't think it should be a problem. I guess we'll see (ha!) as I can't get in to see an ophthalmologist beforehand...

Hey mbs! I know this post was last year, but how did you make out? I'm in the exact situation, saw the flashes Sunday, diagnosed today, heading to Bonaire in 1 week! I know everyone is different, just wondering what what your experience was. Thanks!

 

[mbs]

Hey mbs! I know this post was last year, but how did you make out? I'm in the exact situation, saw the flashes Sunday, diagnosed today, heading to Bonaire in 1 week! I know everyone is different, just wondering what what your experience was. Thanks!

Great timing. Just had my annual with eye doc yesterday! Last summer I still had pretty good flashing at night and my night time driving was a little uncomfortable. It has greatly reduced with a little flashing when very dark still. Eye photos show the crap has drifted mostly off to the side so the doc is pretty happy. I guess the bottom line is no issues for me with diving. If Newark and United are kind to me I'm off to Bonaire this weekend.

 

[tdurinzi]

Great timing. Just had my annual with eye doc yesterday! Last summer I still had pretty good flashing at night and my night time driving was a little uncomfortable. It has greatly reduced with a little flashing when very dark still. Eye photos show the crap has drifted mostly off to the side so the doc is pretty happy. I guess the bottom line is no issues for me with diving. If Newark and United are kind to me I'm off to Bonaire this weekend.

Great timing. Just had my annual with eye doc yesterday! Last summer I still had pretty good flashing at night and my night time driving was a little uncomfortable. It has greatly reduced with a little flashing when very dark still. Eye photos show the crap has drifted mostly off to the side so the doc is pretty happy. I guess the bottom line is no issues for me with diving. If Newark and United are kind to me I'm off to Bonaire this weekend.

Thanks, maybe I'll run into you there, I'll be at Sand Dollar