Qs about Floaters

[naturelvr]

I am a 56 year old male and have experienced vitreous floaters for a couple years.  Over the past few months, I've noticed a substantial increase in the number and size of the floaters that have become quite bothersome (although no flashes of light).  I've had two dilated exams by a retina specialist who indicated there is no evidence of retina detachment or holes.  I'm aware that over time floaters can become less bothersome but I have a couple general questions.  1) After a period of a noticeable increase in the number and size of floaters, is there a tendency for the number and size of floaters to decrease, or 2) once begun, do the number and size of floaters tend to remain the same or even continue to progress such that they may be further compromise vision, and 3) I'm aware there is much debate about possible  treatment options for floaters (e.g., floaters-only vitrectomy, laser), however, are there any potential new or improved treatment options that may be coming such that us floaters-sufferers may have some hope for relief in a few years.  Thank you for your attention.

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

I didn't get over the floaters. Anytime I go looking for them (look at the sky or computer screen and move my eyes I see them)  I just have learned to tune them out and ignore them.

You can do it too.

JCH III MD

[barby33]

Hi:  How did you get over your floaters?  This is barb am having a hard time but am finally starting to get used to mine.  It just moves with your eye right?  This has been tough but how do you get over it?  Barb.

[PAMI1019]

I commisurate, as I, too, have the floater desease and am not at all thrilled by this concept!

[naturelvr]

Thank you Dr. for your response and comments.

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

There are no formal studies on numbers of floaters since it's so subjective and hard to quantitate. Since floaters are related to posterior vitreous detachments which increase with age the number of people with floaters increases with time.

Speaking from my practice and my personal experience I would say that floaters are most noted during the first weeks after they appear and then we start to tune them out.

Overwhelmingly ophthalmologists do not recommend vitrectomies for floaters. The risks are too high. There are some herbal homeopathic medicines sold to reduce floaters, they are useless and a waste of money.

JCH III MD Eye MD