Acute onset flashers and floaters

DDX

1. PVD (most common)
   1. Concern for Retinal Detachment
2. Classic Migraine
3. Acephalgic migraine (no HA)
4. Occipital lobe disorders
   1. Ischemia or infarction
   2. hemorrhage
   3. arteriovenous malformation
   4. seizure disorder
   5. neoplasm may present
   6. Postural hypotension

Diagnosis

• Eye exam
  • Stress on:
    • Visual acuity
    • Visual field confrontation test
    • Direct ophthalmoscopy
    • Slit lamp

Management

Suggested Approach for Referral of Patients With Presumed PVD

1. Floaters and/or flashes with “red flag” sign of acute retinal detachment
   1. Same-day referral to retinal surgeon as minutes may matter; high risk of

Monocular visual field loss (“curtain of darkness”) having retinal detachment New-onset floaters and/or flashes with high-risk features including Same-day referral to ophthalmologist or retinal surgeon for dilated eye Subjective or objective visual reduction examination Vitreous hemorrhage or vitreous pigment on slitlamp examination New-onset floaters and/or flashes without high-risk features Referral to ophthalmologist for dilated eye examination within 1 to 2 weeks; counsel patient regarding high-risk features that should prompt urgent reassessment Recently diagnosed uncomplicated posterior vitreous detachment with Rereferral to ophthalmologist to rule out new retinal tear or detachment. New shower of floaters The ophthalmologist should be contacted to help determine urgency. New subjective visual reduction Stable symptoms of floaters and/or flashes for several weeks to months, not particularly bothersome to the patient and without high-risk features Elective referral to ophthalmologist; counsel patient regarding high-risk features that should prompt urgent reassessment