Floaters (English)
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Floaters: definition
Vitreous floaters are various deposits within the vitreous humour, the fluid or gel that fills the eye. They follow the rapid eye motions, while drifting slowly within the fluid. Floaters are visible and may appear as spots, threads, or fragments of cobwebs, which float slowly before the observer’s eyes. The perception of floaters is known as myodesopsia.
Floaters are not uncommon, but can cause severe vision problems.
Floaters: treatment
1. Vitrectomy for ill-defined vitreous floaters
Ill-defined vitreous floaters are removed during a vitrectomy, a surgery to remove some or all of the vitreous humour of the eye.
This treatment is suitable for the following “floater” pathology:
Floaters located in the bursa premacularis
- In this case the diagnosis will depend on the OCT investigation determining whether or not the posterior hyaloid is detached.
- The vitrectomy needs to induce a posterior hyaloid detachment.
- The vitrectomy is limited to the region close to the macula.
- A 27 Gauge vitrectomy is performed.
- Stitches are only used if the wounds are not waterproof.
Floaters located in the vitreous cavity but not clearly suspended by strands
- In this case a vitrectomy is usually performed without detachment of the posterior hyaloid because this is usually already the case.
- A 27 Gauge vitrectomy is performed.
- Stitches are only used if the wounds are not waterproof.
This treatment may be performed on an ambulatory basis depending upon the type of anaesthesia that will be chosen.
Both local and general anaesthesia may be applied in case a vitrectomy is performed. The choice will depend upon the wishes of the patient as well as the evaluation of the surgeon.
Potential complications of this surgical procedure will be discussed in detail with the surgeon.
2. Vitrectomy combined to cataract surgery
In case your lens is cataractous, the vitrectomy procedure may be combined to a cataract procedure.
More information and appointments
Please call the Department of Ophthalmology at +32 3 821 35 56 or +32 3 821 47 01 for more information or to obtain an appointment. Please specify that you are interested in having an appointment for floater pathology.
