Can You Have Surgery For Eye Floaters?
The little spots or weblike threads you see floating in your eyes are called floaters. The main cause of floaters is the normal change that your eyes go through as you get older. In this case, it means while floaters may be uncomfortable and bothersome, they are not a threat.
Otherwise, floaters can be an indication of an eye problem. That is why it is important to immediately seek medical intervention if you notice more and more floaters in your eyes.
One of the most common and effective treatments for floaters is surgery so this answers the question of the day which is; can you have surgery for eye floaters?
In this article, we dive deeper into the surgical process for eye floaters, the benefits of the surgery, risks, and other alternative ways to manage eye floaters.
The Surgical Process for Eye Floaters
Here is a simple process of the surgery for eye floaters;
Initial Consultation
First things first, you will have a consultation with your eye doctor. They will check your eyes thoroughly to confirm whether surgery is a suitable option for you. This step is crucial because not all types of floaters can be treated surgically. It will also help rule out any other eye health issues.
Choosing the Right Procedure
If you are a good candidate for the surgery, the next step is to discuss the best surgical option. The two main procedures that might be recommended include;
Vitrectomy ‐ This involves removing the vitreous gel and the floaters from the eyes.
Laser Vitreolysis ‐ This uses a laser to break up the floaters, making them less visible.
Your doctor will explain the procedure of both and their pros and cons to help you decide which one best suits your situation.
Preparing for Surgery
Once ready, your doctor will provide you with pre-surgical instructions to help you properly prepare for surgery. This might include not eating or drinking for several hours beforehand and arranging for someone to drive you home afterwards.
The Surgery
Both vitrectomy and laser vitreolysis are pretty quick and take about an hour or less. They are also often done on an outpatient basis. That means you can go home the same day. Local anaesthesia is usually administered to ensure you are comfortable and pain-free during the procedure.
Recovery and Follow-up
After the surgery, you will also receive some post-operative care instructions from your doctor. This may include using eye drops to prevent infections and reduce inflammation, or avoiding strenuous activities.
During the recovery process, you may experience some discomfort or temporary visual disturbances as your eye heals. Make sure to attend follow-up visits too. These are crucial to monitor your recovery and ensure everything is on track.
Benefits of Eye Floater Surgery
- Improved visual clarity
- It is a quick, same-day procedure
- Low-risk procedure
- Longlasting results
- Improve overall wellbeing
Downsides of the Surgery
- Discomfort during recovery
- Temporary blurred vision
- Infections
- Potential retinal detachment
Alternative Ways to Manage Eye Floaters
Here are some ways to help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with floaters, even if they don’t remove them completely.
- Adust lighting to help minimise the appearance of floaters. For instance, avoiding looking at very bright or very dim light can reduce their visibility.
- If you are doing activities that strain your eyes, like reading or using a computer, take regular breaks. This can help reduce the prominence of floaters.
- For those significantly distressed by their floaters, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) can help manage the psychological impact and reduce the focus on the floaters.
Whatever approach you take, make sure to consult a medical professional for proper guidance.
