Vitreous Floaters: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Q: Vitreous Floaters: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Hello Henry： The vitreous body and balanced salt solution are inherently different. <br>The vitreous body provides better support, which cannot be matched by balanced salt solution. <br>If the physician recommending surgery believes it is the better option, it is likely based on

Treating floaters, flashes, and vitreous opacities?

Hello Doctor,
My symptoms include general vitreous floaters, but when I am tired and move my eyes, I see flashes of light and bright spots (photopsia).
Due to the impurities in the vitreous, when looking at a white background, these impurities cast shadows on the retina, causing me to see many light spots, similar to dust suddenly disappearing and reappearing under a light.

I am considering that the most effective method currently is a minimally invasive vitrectomy combined with a special saline solution.
Therefore, I would like to ask if this method is recommended.
If not, what are the reasons? I feel that if the vitreous is replaced with saline, I wouldn't have to worry about the aforementioned symptoms, and I would be more willing to engage in vigorous exercise! Thank you for your response, Doctor.

Henry, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/07/28

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello Henry: The vitreous body and balanced salt solution are inherently different.
The vitreous body provides better support, which cannot be matched by balanced salt solution.
If the physician recommending surgery believes it is the better option, it is likely based on their assessment of your condition, so it is best to follow their advice, as I have not seen your situation and cannot provide you with better guidance.
However, it is important to be aware of the following: complications that may arise from "minimally invasive vitrectomy" include corneal edema, cataract, vitreous hemorrhage, glaucoma, new retinal tears, endophthalmitis (less common), sympathetic ophthalmia (very rare), and recurrent retinal detachment, among others.
The ophthalmology department at Puzi Hospital in Taiwan is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and Wednesday afternoons from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
I hope to have the opportunity to serve you.
Best regards, Gao Pilin.

Reply Date: 2015/07/28

More Info

Vitreous floaters, often described as small specks or strands that drift through your field of vision, are a common occurrence, especially as we age. They are caused by changes in the vitreous humor, the gel-like substance that fills the eye. As we age, the vitreous can become more liquid and may pull away from the retina, leading to the formation of floaters. The symptoms you describe, including flashes of light (photopsia) and seeing bright spots against a white background, are also associated with this condition.

The treatment options for vitreous floaters can vary based on the severity of the symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. In many cases, floaters are benign and do not require treatment. However, if they significantly impair vision or are accompanied by other symptoms, such as a sudden increase in floaters or flashes of light, it is crucial to seek medical attention, as these could indicate a more serious condition, such as retinal detachment.

Regarding your inquiry about the micro-invasive vitrectomy combined with a special saline solution, this procedure is indeed one of the treatment options for persistent and bothersome floaters. Vitrectomy involves the surgical removal of the vitreous gel, which can eliminate floaters. However, this procedure is not without risks. Potential complications include retinal detachment, cataract formation, and bleeding within the eye. Therefore, it is essential to weigh the benefits against the risks.

The use of saline solution to replace the vitreous gel is a relatively new approach. While it may seem appealing to replace the vitreous with a substance that does not form floaters, the long-term effects and potential complications of this method are still being studied. The vitreous humor plays a crucial role in maintaining the shape of the eye and supporting the retina. Removing it entirely and replacing it with saline could lead to unforeseen complications.

In general, most ophthalmologists recommend a conservative approach for managing floaters, especially if they are not significantly affecting vision. Many patients find that they can adapt to the presence of floaters over time. If the floaters are bothersome, it is essential to discuss all available options with a qualified ophthalmologist who can provide personalized advice based on your specific condition and overall eye health.

In summary, while micro-invasive vitrectomy with saline replacement may offer a solution for some patients, it is essential to consider the potential risks and complications associated with the procedure. A thorough discussion with your eye care provider will help you make an informed decision about the best course of action for your symptoms. Regular monitoring and follow-up are also crucial to ensure that any changes in your condition are addressed promptly.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Eye Floaters: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

The presence of shadowy shapes resembling eyebrows that move with the eye, along with thicker white light in dark areas, may indicate the condition known as floaters. Floaters are often caused by changes in the vitreous gel of the eye. While they are usually harmless, if they are...

Dr. Wang Zhangji reply Ophthalmology
It may be necessary to have a physician examine the retina for any lesions. If it is simply a case of vitreous floaters, no specific treatment is required, and regular monitoring will suffice.

Understanding Floaters: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Hello Dr. Gao, I would like to ask you again about my current condition. I am experiencing various types of floaters, including spider web-like, cloudy, dot-like, and line-like shapes, and they appear to be quite large. Whenever there is light in my field of vision, everything be...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello Peter: There is no effective treatment for floaters; one can only coexist with them. There is no need for invasive procedures like vitrectomy. This haziness will gradually liquefy and will not be as bothersome. As long as there are no issues with the retina, there is no nee...

Understanding Floaters: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention Tips

Hello Dr. Huang, I would like to ask you a few questions regarding the symptoms of floaters. 1. Is it possible to completely cure floaters? 2. Is there a correlation between prolonged computer use and the occurrence of floaters? 3. If floaters cannot be cured, what preventi...

Dr. Huang Bozhen reply Ophthalmology
Floaters are caused by dot-like opacities in the vitreous body, indicating aging and degeneration, commonly seen in the elderly, but also frequently observed in myopic younger individuals. This signifies that the vitreous is undergoing degeneration, with occasional visibility and...

Understanding Floaters: Surgical Options for Vitreous Removal

Hello doctor, I am 19 years old and have myopia of about -800 diopters. I suffer from floaters and often see transparent substances resembling bubbles, as well as small black dots floating in front of my eyes. Is there any surgery available to remove the vitreous body or to use a...

Dr. Huang Bozhen reply Ophthalmology
Subject: Treatment for Floaters. Explanation: Vitrectomy is considered a major surgical procedure in ophthalmology with higher risks, often used for patients with severe vision impairment due to vitreous opacities or in conjunction with retinal surgery. Artificial vitreous is com...