Vitrectomy Surgery

A vitrectomy for eye floaters is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the vitreous humour, the gel-like substance found in the eye, in order to eradicate the dots and specks in the vision of the patient.

A vitrectomy is frequently used to treat conditions such as a detached retina and diabetic eye disease, but the same surgical procedures can be utilised to get rid of eye floaters as well. The operation can be lengthy, so a general anaesthetic is often needed, although this would depend on various other factors such as the health of the patient. Not all eye floaters sufferers are suitable for the procedure, and may only be used in the more extreme cases. Even so, many surgeons are reluctant to consider vitrectomy surgery for floaters as the condition is not deemed serious enough.

The procedure involves the insertion of instruments into the eye through tiny holes, which are used to extract the vitreous humour from the eye. Water or gas is then used as a replacement, and once completed, the holes are closed, leaving no visible marks.

Following a vitrectomy for floaters, the patient will normally be required to stay in hospital for at least one night. Initially, the eye will be swollen, red and will frequently water, and most patients find that it can take up to two months for normal vision to return. No strenuous exercise should be undertaken during the first few weeks.

A proper risk assessment should be undertaken before considering  vitrectomy surgery for floaters. As mentioned, in the majority of cases, normal sight returns after the recovery period, but up to 10% of patients may experience other problems. These issues can include bleeding in the eye, infection and retinal detachment, and in addition, there is no guarantee that all eye floaters will be removed.

Click Here For A Much Safer Natural Eye Floater Treatment

Vitreous Detachment

Vitreous detachment is a condition of the eye that arises when the vitreous humour detaches itself from the retina. When this happens, sight disorders occur such as light flashes and eye floaters. Although vitreous detachment does not normally lead to sight problems in the long term, the chances of retinal detachment are slightly raised, which can lead to vision loss. The condition is quite common, especially in older people, with approximately 75% of those people over the age of 65 experiencing symptoms at some stage.

The eye itself is filled with a gel-like substance called the vitreous humour. Consisting of 99% water and 1% proteins and collagen, it helps the eye to maintain shape. In time, this gel becomes increasingly more fluid, maybe leading to shrinkage in the gel, and as a result, the outer area of the gel may become detached from the retina.

Light flashes are very common in those that suffer vitreous detachment, occurring following the stimulation of the retina as the gel pulls away. Eye floaters are formed as a result of the changes to the gel viscosity, causing small specks that cast shadows on the retina.

Vitreous detachment alone is not dangerous, and does not lead to a loss in vision. Following initial detachment, a sudden rush of light flashes and vitreous floaters is commonplace. The rate of these symptoms usually decreases within 6 months, although the majority of people will still experience low levels of flashes and floaters. In some cases, vitreous detachment may cause the retina to tear, and if not treated, may lead to retinal detachment, which could mean temporary, or even permanent loss of vision.

In general, it is not necessary to treat vitreous detachment, and although eye floaters and flashes can be irritating, they are not harmful. Even so, care should be taken to monitor the condition for any signs of retinal tears or retinal detachment, which include symptoms such as a darkening of vision in the affected eye, or a sudden increase in the frequency of flashes and floaters. If noticed, prompt treatment from a qualified medical practitioner should be obtained.

Discover The Natural Treatment For Eye Floaters And Flashes Here

Photopsia

Photopsia is the term used for the condition when people appear to see flashes of light. Frequently, these flashes appear alongside a migraine, and in fact, migraine sufferers use the flashes as a signal of an upcoming migraine. Those people over the age of 65 are the most likely to be affected, and the most common cause of these eye flashes is the shrinkage of the vitreous humour within the eye.

The vitreous humour is the transparent substance in the centre of the eyes, mostly made up of water, and is responsible for the shape and form of the eye. Photopsia generally is caused by the shrinking of the vitreous humour, which applies tension to the attachment points, which agitates the retina causing the emission of electrical impulses that are interpreted as flashes of light by the brain. 

Vitreous humour shrinkage is not the only cause of photopsia. For example, severe impact to the head can easily cause the retina to pull away from the eyeball, and when this happens momentary flashes of light may be seen.

As mentioned, photopsia can be the signal for the onset of a migraine. Migraines may be caused when the blood vessels in the brain quiver, or if the retina becomes detached from connecting nerves. The flashing lights, which may look like sparks, zig zags or lines of light, may last for a brief period or be longer lasting throughout the course of the migraine.

This perception of flashes of light should be treated seriously, and prompt investigation by a medical professional is advisable. Generally speaking, the experience of eye flashes is no reason for concern, but in very rare instances, photopsia can lead to certain levels of loss of vision.

During the normal ageing process, the vitreous humour will shrink, becomes thinner, and will begin to pull away from the retina. In fact, approximately two thirds of the over 65s will be affected by some degree of vitreous humour shrinkage, leading to many experiencing flashing lights. It should be noted that a major increase in the number of photopsia occurrences may possibly indicate a torn retina.

Clearly, it is essential to recognize and understand photopsia signs.

If you want to know more

Click Here For Your Natural Eye Floater Treatment