can cataract surgery ..postive effect on floaters!?

[loulabell2]

Hello, I'm under 40 with posterior subcapular cataracts which I've been told are probably due to high myopia.
I have severe floaters in my most myopic eye and no other problems - retina very good etc.
I was considering a vitrecomtomy for the floaters but a cataract specialist said that SOMETIMES cataract surgery alone can have a positive effect on floaters due to change in optics and abberrations (ph) and so i should wait until after cataract surgery before seeing if i wanted a vitrectomy or not.
I was surprised as I've heard of cataract surgery creating floaters..not making them less noticeable.

The cataract surgeon i spoke to is well known specialist and very busy and difficult to contact I don't think they'd welcome me asking for detailed explanations...i asked one other cataract Dr aboutt his and he confirmed 'yes' it can happen and when i asked my local cataract surgeon he said he'd never heard of such a thing.

I'd be very grateful for any info on this - is it just 'one of those things' that can happen to a lucky few or is there an iol or method that makes it more likely.

Many thanks in advanace        

[AnnaE]

You should get several expert opinions from a vitreo-retinal specialist before even considering vitrectomy.

I have had to have 4 because of retinal detachment. I hear over and over, especially from these doctors, that a vitrectomy is rarely justified for floaters.

Good luck and good guidance.

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

Let me put it this way:  I certainly wouldn't count on the cataract surgery improving your floaters.  Most often, the patient still notices them.  I suppose there's is a possibility that it could help the floaters but it's really not appropiate in my opinion to lead  you to believe that there is any probable chance that it would happen.  They are two totally separate problems.  I agree that it is appropriate to treat the cataract when it is clinically ready for surgery.  There may be no real treatment for the floaters unless they are very significant - then rarely vitrectomy can be indicated.

Michael Kutryb,MD