Challenge for eye doctors

[Jdawg1099]

Why is it we will cut into the eye to correct vision when a persons eyes are healthy and they can obtain contacts and eyeglasses, but when a person has tons of floaters it's something they have to live with?  

It's easily pawned off as "part of life".  I'm sure when someone has one or two, even in each eye, it's livable.  But, even if someone's vision is not totally blocked by floaters, they are difficult to live with when each eye contains a swarm of them.  To tell someone to live with it is a life sentence in most cases.  Yet, the idea of treating a patient with lots of them is considered surgery to a healthy eye?  What is an unhealthy eye then?  I was under the impression the purpose of an eye was to provide vision.  If something is blocking that vision, is that not a problem?  I've read the risks to the eye for vitrectomy is 5%, and far less in the case of an FOV that does not require sutures.  There are enzymes now available that will liquify the vitreous (vitrase) making it even easier to remove.  I don't understand why we will go to incredible lengths to correct vision (a worthy cause, don't get me wrong), but blocked vision from floaters is irrelevant.

I appreciate doctors do what I cannot.  I am not educated on this matter either, nor do I want to imply I know anything they don't.  So, I'm sure there's a response to everything I've said as to all the "why we can'ts".  But, I don't understand why we don't even try.  Maybe there's a group of doctors out there feverishly working on floater problems that I'm not aware of.  But the indifferent and uninterested response I've gotten from every eye doctor I've ever seen, and all the comments I've read on other web sites, leads me to believe there is no interest in finding a solution to floaters.  

They do affect peoples lives.  They may be benign to the eye, but they are not to the individual.  And, the only thing floater sufferers (the one's with many of them) get used to is the idea they have no hope for relief from their ailment.  It's defeat that they become accustomed to, not the floaters.

I would implore the doctors to find a solution for us.  I appreciate there are diseases, and blindness and other major issues that need addressed.  Please, do not patronize our condition, and please do not accept "that's life".  If we took that approach to medical problems of life and death, there would not be a medical field.

I applogize if I seem ridgid in my post.  I have no issue with any of the doctors that post here.  My issue is with the overall attitude that floaters are a non issue.  If you have so few that it's so easy for you to get past them, I am so grateful you have it so well.  For the rest of us, be a beacon of hope.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[BUTTERCUP109]

I guess your question about complications from vitrectomy were for me. I developed chronic cystoid macular edema (cysts of fluid in my retina). I've had it for over a year. My vision went from 20/20 to 20/50 and is spotty and distorted. It was supposed to get better after a few months of treatment, but it hasn't. The steroid eyedrops to treat it has given me glaucoma. The long-term inflammation has caused a layer of scar tissue to form over my macula (macular pucker). My doctors seem perplexed how to treat me and I'm beginning to get very frightened that this will be a permanent part of my life. But I continue to hope and search for a solution. So... the doctors are right when they say vitrectomy for floaters can cause other problems. Everything has risks...unfortunately.  

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

berrywoo is correct
JCH MD

[berrywoo]

Yes, a completely liquefied and detached vitreous would make surgery easier! It would most likely eliminate the need for a vitrector, which is used to carefully cut away the vitreous in a PPV. Not only that, but a completely liquefied and detached vitreous would eliminate traction at its strongest point on the retina: the base closest to the ora serrata.

[Avenger1212]

Dr. Hagan,

The vitreosolve web site also says it is intended as an adjunct for pars plana vitrectomy surgery.

Assuming you have experience with vitrectomy, do you think a fully liquified and detached vitreous would make for a much easier operation?  Or, are the risks and challenges more or less the same regardless?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Its in stage 3 testing but just for diabetic proliferative retinopathy and the name (SP? ) vitreosolve

JCH MD

[juanmc12]

I had a congential catarct and had it removed years back.  Recently had YAG laser to clear up the lens implant.  That was a mistake.  I now have hundreds of eye floaters in that eye.

You said you had complications.  What where they and did you vision worsen or stay the same after recovery?

Dr. Hagan, very interested in the injection to liqify the vitrous gel.  I am going to look into it.

Very frustrated....

Juan

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Use the search feature and also an internet search engine. There is a medicication under clinical study now that is injected into the eye and is disolves floaters and turns all gel vitreous into watery vitreous.

JCH MD

[BUTTERCUP109]

Hi,
I wanted you to know that there is someone out there that understands how you feel. I had lens replacement surgery for vision correction purposes. I was not in a position to fully understand the risks, but the doctor should have been.This particular doctor was in the business of promoting a flashy practice...mainly LASIK, but threw in lens replacement like it was just a simple thing to do. It wasn't. I've had lots of problems  One of many problem from the surgery was a vitreous detachment that resulted in a big black blob that I could not see through. Yet when I wanted it gone, suddenly I'm the one who is crazy!!
I ultimately had a vitrectomy. And I don't regret it. Yes, I've had some complications from the vitrectomy as well. But I could not have gone on with that blob in my vision. Maybe it was a no-win situation, but I do understand the problem of living with a major opacity in you vision and the feeling that you simply have to take a chance and do something .
Give yourself plenty of time to be sure that you don't adjust to it or see if over time it goes away as I was told to do. I waited a year. It was not any better in that much time. There are doctors that will do a floater vitrectomy. See the retina specialists in your area. Or contact Dr. Robert Morris in Birmingham, AL. He's kind of specialized in floater vitrectomies. He has a documentary on the subject available. Be aware that if you still have your natural lenses, the cataract formation process will be speeded up and you will get cataracts within a few years and will need cataract surgery. There are also laser treatments available with a few doctors.