HomeAnswersOphthalmology (Eye Care)posterior vitreous detachment

I have a very large floater in my eye, and I rubbed it. Is retinal detachment the cause?

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Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have a huge floater in my eye for two days. I was taking a shower last night. My eye was itchy, and I rubbed it. It is a holiday here, and my eye doctor is closed. I am worried. Could I possibly have a detached retina? But I do not want to go to the ER if it is unnecessary. The eye does not hurt, no redness, and no peripheral vision loss, but only this large floater. I had cataract surgery in this same eye two years ago. And I am under medication for hypertension.
Answered by Dr. Asha Juliet Barboza

Education:

MS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Asha Juliet Barboza is an experienced Ophthalmologist dedicated to preserving and improving vision. She offers expert care for a wide range of eye conditions, from routine eye exams to complex surgeries. Dr. Barboza combines advanced techniques with compassionate guidance to ensure optimal eye health and clear vision for all her patients.

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Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thanks for writing in. Is the floater a single squiggly line, a ring, or a more oversized shape that is black that obstructs your line of vision? Your correct age is not mentioned and whether you had short-sightedness before cataract surgery. You might have developed something called a PVD (posterior vitreous detachment), where the vitreous attachment to the retina has separated. That can cause a ring-like floater or a line in some cases. If they are multiple dots, then it could be an associated hemorrhage. A retinal detachment will cause a curtain-like shadow in the side vision and profound visual loss if it is in the center. A PVD will require only observation. You can probably wait a day till the ophthalmologist is available, but ultimately it will require a dilated eye exam. As I mentioned, if you have a dark curtain-like shadow, you will need to go in immediately—meanwhile, no heavy weight lifting or strenuous activity. I wish I could have been of more help. Please feel free to ask more questions.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sneha Kannan
Published At September 8, 2020
Reviewed At July 30, 2023

Education:

MS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Asha Juliet Barboza is an experienced Ophthalmologist dedicated to preserving and improving vision. She offers expert care for a wide range of eye conditions, from routine eye exams to complex surgeries. Dr. Barboza combines advanced techniques with compassionate guidance to ensure optimal eye health and clear vision for all her patients.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sneha Kannan is a skilled Dental Surgeon with expertise in providing general dental care, including scaling, fillings, and preventive treatments. She does oral surgery procedures such as extractions and minor surgical interventions. She does procedures in restorative dentistry, including crowns, bridges, and dentures. She is an expert in doing endodontic treatments such as root canal therapy. She is well-versed in doing procedures in cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening and smile correction. She can provide pediatric dental care for children’s oral health and preventive treatments. She promotes oral hygiene awareness and preventive dental practices.  

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Dr. Asha Juliet Barboza
Dr. Asha Juliet Barboza

Ophthalmology (Eye Care)

Education:

MS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Asha Juliet Barboza is an experienced Ophthalmologist dedicated to preserving and improving vision. She offers expert care for a wide range of eye conditions, from routine eye exams to complex surgeries. Dr. Barboza combines advanced techniques with compassionate guidance to ensure optimal eye health and clear vision for all her patients.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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