Impact of Prolonged Eye Movement on Vitreous Detachment and Vision Health - Ophthalmology

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Long-term vigorous eye movement can lead to issues such as posterior vitreous detachment?


Sigh, obsessive-compulsive disorder has caused severe and prolonged eye movement for over three months, which has now stopped for several weeks.
During these months, whether walking or riding a motorcycle, I often turn my head sharply to the left and right, looking back at a 180-degree angle to check for lost items.
Especially when riding a motorcycle, I worry about forgetting something as I start, and while wearing a helmet, I frequently turn my head left and right, inadvertently causing my eyes to move violently.
This self-inflicted situation has led to severe eye movement.

1.
What structural cellular effects might this have on the retina and vitreous body? I have approximately 750 degrees of myopia in both eyes and have experienced noticeable floaters for about six months.

2.
I currently have posterior vitreous detachment (PVD).
Is this related to the severe eye movement? Will stopping the violent eye movements prevent further deterioration?
3.
Recently, when I lightly cough, sneeze, or just get out of bed, I notice bright flashes of light appearing at the outer corners of both eyes, which seem to be caused by the liquefaction of the vitreous.
These bright spots, about the size of a soybean, are visible for only one to two seconds and have been occurring for the past ten days.
4.
In the past few weeks, I have visited multiple hospitals for examinations, including dilated fundus examinations, and the retina appears normal with no signs of detachment or holes.
How should I proceed with monitoring this condition? Thank you.
5.
What is the expected progression of the brief bright spots appearing at the outer corners of my eyes? Will they gradually disappear, coexist long-term, or diminish as the PVD fully resolves? Thank you.

Mr. He, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/12/24

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology


Hello, "I have visited multiple hospitals for examinations, and the dilated fundus examination showed that the retina is normal, with no detachment or holes." This is a good result, so take it easy and continue with regular check-ups.
Wishing you peace and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Tsai Wen-Yuan, Director of Ophthalmology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2017/12/24

More Info


Prolonged and vigorous eye movement can have significant implications for both the vitreous body and the retina, especially in individuals with pre-existing conditions such as high myopia and posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). Your concerns regarding the impact of these movements on your vision health are valid and warrant a thorough understanding.

1. Impact on the Retina and Vitreous: The retina is a delicate layer of tissue at the back of the eye that is responsible for converting light into neural signals. Vigorous eye movements can potentially lead to mechanical stress on the retina, especially in individuals with high myopia (like your -7.50 diopters). This condition can predispose the retina to various complications, including retinal tears or detachments. The vitreous body, which is a gel-like substance filling the eye, can also be affected. In cases of vigorous eye movement, the vitreous can exert traction on the retina, particularly if it is already in a state of degeneration or if PVD is present. This could exacerbate symptoms such as floaters or flashes of light, which you have described as "明顯飛蚊症狀" (significant floaters).

2. Relationship Between Eye Movement and PVD: Posterior vitreous detachment occurs when the vitreous gel separates from the retina. While vigorous eye movements are not a direct cause of PVD, they can contribute to the symptoms associated with it. Since you have already experienced PVD, it is crucial to minimize any activities that could potentially worsen the condition. Stopping the vigorous eye movements may help in reducing the risk of further complications, but it is essential to follow up with your eye care provider to monitor any changes in your condition.

3. Bright Flashes of Light: The bright light spots you are experiencing, especially after coughing, sneezing, or upon waking, are likely related to the vitreous gel's movement within the eye. These flashes can occur as the vitreous pulls on the retina, and while they can be alarming, they are often benign if there are no accompanying symptoms of retinal detachment (such as a sudden increase in floaters or a shadow in your vision). Since your recent eye examinations have shown no retinal tears or detachments, this is a reassuring sign.

4. Monitoring and Follow-Up: Given that you have already consulted multiple healthcare providers and received normal findings from dilated fundus examinations, it is advisable to continue regular follow-ups. Your eye care professional may recommend periodic examinations to monitor the status of your vitreous and retina, especially since you have a history of high myopia and PVD.

5. Future Developments of Bright Spots: The transient bright spots you see are likely to fluctuate. They may gradually diminish as the vitreous stabilizes post-detachment. However, some individuals may continue to experience these phenomena for an extended period. It is essential to maintain open communication with your eye doctor regarding any changes in your symptoms, as they can provide tailored advice based on your specific situation.

In summary, while vigorous eye movements can pose risks, particularly for individuals with high myopia and PVD, your proactive approach to seeking medical advice and regular monitoring is commendable. It is crucial to listen to your body and avoid activities that exacerbate your symptoms. Always consult your eye care provider for personalized recommendations and to ensure your vision health remains stable.

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