Floaters/Flashes

[mike3131]

49 yo. floaters  (just one or two)  began 10 days ago, along with flashes around the right edge of my field of vision-- really only visible at night. went to retina specialist. 20/20 vision --dont need glasses to get through the day. Floater is very very bothersome. From what I read they do not go away ???  I know that the flashes are evidence of the vitreuos pulling from the retina....... Retina specialist wants to "monitor". This floater(s) is (are) extremely annoying, but I was told to just live with it. So here's my question-- IS there a procedure that can remove the floater ?? If someone like Tiger Woods had this, and it affected his golf game or his life, and wanted it treated, who would he see and what would the procedure be. What are the risks ??

[mike3131]

Hi Ray- thanks for the input-- I found two opthamologists who treat floaters with the VAG laser - minimally invasive.. One is in DC and one is in Fort Myers. I am hesitant to list their websites here, but perhaps you can take a look into them and let me know what you think ?? They have videos on the site of the actual procedure. Thanks much...

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

Yes, a vitrectomy can remove the floaters.  Small risk of retinal detachment.  Please discuss this with your retinal surgeon.

Dr. O.