Impact of Vitreous Opacity and Dental Cleaning on Eye Health

Does vitreous opacity affect the eyes after dental cleaning?

Dear Director Gao,
I apologize for the interruption.
My left eye underwent scleral buckle surgery for retinal detachment in 2007, caused by high myopia.
I had cataract phacoemulsification surgery on both eyes in June last year and January this year.
In June of this year, I had a second laser treatment for cataracts in my left eye.
My right eye has a vision of 0.8.
After the cataract surgery in June last year, my left eye had a layer of haze, and the doctor diagnosed it as vitreous opacities, with a vision of 0.1.
After more than two months, my vision improved to 0.4, but then it dropped back to 0.1 due to secondary cataracts.
I underwent a second laser treatment for secondary cataracts, but my vision has remained at 0.1 since then.
The doctor mentioned that there is a layer of haze in the vitreous, which is quite troubling.
I would like to ask you, Director:
1.
Is there still a chance for my left eye's vision to recover to at least 0.4 or higher?
2.
Given my condition, are there any specific actions I need to take or avoid?
3.
I am considering getting a dental cleaning soon.
I understand that the process can cause some discomfort and stimulation.
Will this have any impact on my current eye condition? (Will it affect the vitreous opacities? Will it impact the retina/macula? Could the layer of vitreous opacities pull on the retina/macula?)
Thank you for your assistance in clarifying these concerns.

Benjamin, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/08/26

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello Benjamin,
1.
Is there a chance for my left eye's vision to recover to at least 0.4? After undergoing laser treatment for secondary cataracts, vision should improve.
If there is no improvement, we need to consider several factors.
The most important factors are high myopia-related retinal degeneration and damage caused by retinal detachment.
If the deterioration in vision is due to either of these two factors, the chances of recovery are lower.
However, if it is due to vitreous opacities, there may be a chance to recover to 0.4.
2.
Are there any specific actions I need to take to avoid complications given my situation? Since I have a history of retinal detachment and vitreous opacities, I should avoid any vigorous head movements.
Additionally, I should prevent direct impacts to the eyes and ensure that my eyes get adequate rest to avoid overexertion.
3.
I am considering getting a dental cleaning.
I know it can cause some discomfort, but will it affect my current eye condition? Dental cleaning will not impact your eyes, so you can proceed with it without worry.
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I hope to have the opportunity to serve you.
Best regards,
Gao Pi-Lin

Reply Date: 2019/08/26

More Info

Dear Benjamin,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding your eye health, particularly in relation to vitreous opacity and dental cleaning. Your history of retinal detachment and subsequent surgeries, including cataract procedures, certainly adds complexity to your current situation.

1. Potential for Vision Recovery: Regarding your left eye's vision, there is a possibility for improvement, especially if the primary cause of your reduced vision is vitreous opacity. After the second cataract surgery, if the vitreous opacity is the main issue, there may still be a chance for your vision to recover to 0.4 or better. However, if the deterioration is primarily due to complications from high myopia or damage from the previous retinal detachment, the likelihood of significant recovery diminishes. It is essential to have regular follow-ups with your ophthalmologist to monitor any changes in your condition.

2. Precautions to Take: Given your history of retinal detachment and current vitreous opacity, it is crucial to avoid activities that could lead to trauma or excessive strain on your eyes. This includes avoiding vigorous head movements, heavy lifting, or any activities that could result in a direct impact to the eyes. Additionally, ensure that you take regular breaks when using screens to prevent eye strain and fatigue. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, can also support overall eye health.

3. Impact of Dental Cleaning on Eye Health: Regarding your inquiry about dental cleaning, it is generally safe and should not adversely affect your eye condition. The discomfort associated with dental cleaning, such as the sensation of pressure or mild pain, is localized to the mouth and should not have any direct impact on your eyes. However, if you experience significant stress or anxiety during the procedure, it could lead to temporary increases in blood pressure, which might indirectly affect your eyes. It is unlikely that dental cleaning would influence vitreous opacity or cause any pulling on the retina or macula.
In conclusion, while dental cleaning itself should not pose a risk to your eye health, it is always wise to communicate with your dentist about your medical history, particularly your eye conditions. They can take any necessary precautions to ensure your comfort during the procedure.
If you have any further questions or concerns, I encourage you to consult with your ophthalmologist for personalized advice tailored to your specific situation. Regular monitoring and proactive management are key to maintaining your vision and overall eye health.

Best wishes for your continued recovery and eye health.

Sincerely,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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