People over 50 take note - I just had emergency eye surgery

[Triana]

68. I had a PVD recently. I'm 54. Started seeing little 'floaters'.

It was the weekend so I went to the ER after having Googled 'floaters' and possible causes. I was scared to death. (ER cost: $250)

Within an hour or less I was seen by an ophthamologist who did a slit-lamp exam as well as a complete retinal exam - I think called "indirect ophthalmoscopy" - miserable and very uncomfortable for me but allegedly one of the best retinal exams because they put a light on their head, put in drops to dilate the pupil and then manipulate your eye so they can see all surfaces of the retina inside your eye.

They diagnosed it as a PVD and advised me to return immediately if I saw a 'shower' of floaters or big black or brown spots or if the floaters increased in number or got bigger - particularly if they did so quickly.

Allegedly, PVD is common in those over 50 - especially if you're near-sighted like me. I understand that a retinal detachment is most common within 6 weeks after a PVD but can occur within 3 months of the initial event.

The lesson is to get to an OPTHAMOLOGIST IMMEDIATELY if you start to see any 'floaters' - at all. Optometrists and MDs are not equipped to examine, diagnose, or treat this problem. If you have PVD, be on the lookout for worsening - especially sudden worsening - of the condition and do not waste ANY time getting to the ER or an opthamologist. You need IMMEDIATE professional help and treatment to try to save your vision!

EDIT: another thing they said to look out for is something that seems like a 'curtain' of black that comes down over the eye - that's another SERIOUS symptom.