Went to see the ophthalmologist today and got a new one to add to the file:
"It happens as you get older."
Posterior Vitreous Detachment.
Basically it means that the gel-like fluid in my eye is shrinking, which makes it pull away from the back of the eye.
(This is the way Wikipedia puts it: Over time the vitreous changes, shrinking and developing pockets of liquefaction, similar to the way a gelatin dessert shrinks, or detaches, from the edge of a pan over time. At some stage the vitreous membrane may peel away from the retina. Age and refractive error play a role in determining the onset of PVD in a healthy person.)
Yep, AGE plays a role.
That's what my doctor said.
It does occur in the majority of people as they age. But I also have "refractive error"--- which means that since I am very very very very nearsighted, I am more at risk of having it occur at a 'younger' age (less than 65 years old).
Oh, and the doctor who said it "happens as you get older" looked to be about
twenty-two years old.
No kidding.
Guess I just need to remember:
Really, I'm glad it wasn't anything serious.
I just can't believe that the last few times I've had to see the doctor, the
"diagnosis" has been,
"It happens as you get older."
Especially when the diagnosis is coming from someone who I would like to see an ID from to verify that they are old enough to have gone to medical school!
(And yes, I realize that the last statement
makes me sound old!!)
Now, it's time for my nap. :)