victretomy for floaters opinion

[distracting]

Dr. Hagan,

I was wondering your opinion on this article. If a patient found him/herself in the situation described would you still be against victretomy for floaters? At what point do you think surgicial intervention is appropriate, if any? I fit into the category described in this article in a visually demanding field (computer design) and what has been called moderate floaters in my right eye due to PVD by retina specialists. A top retina specialist has offered vitrectomy for me because of this, but has asked that I wait a few months to see if anything changes or progress is made with my situation. I am obviously trying to make the most informed decision and have 2 other follow-up with premier surgeons in the new england area.

http://pasargad.cse.shirazu.ac.ir/~moaddeli/floater.pdf

Thank you for opinion. I appreciate your conservative approach to this issue because it is helpful to understand options/opinions.

Regards.

[distracting]

I have read that the numbers on young patients with cataract development are really unknown (cause so few have victrectomies).  The retina surgeons I met with said it is much lower for young patients, but there has been no major study on it. From the case study it shows none of the under 50 patients developed them in this case, but I do understand the concern. In fact, one of the consultants said this is the most likely "risk" involved, with the other most significant one being RD.

Thank you again for your advice. I am going to hold tight as recommended but it is even helpful to stress and the situation knowing the option exists if they become disruptive enough.

Thank you again for participation on the board.

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

Unless you are visually disabled (not inconvienenced) I would not recommend it to one of my patients. Remember that almost 100% of vitrectomized patients develop cataracts. Plus you may have trouble getting your insurance to pay.

I have a high demand for clear vision and I have floaters.

JCH III MD