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Wondering if anyone has had an FOV, Floaters Only Vitrectomy
Eye Conditions | Last Active: Sep 29, 2023 | Replies (170)Comment receiving replies
The first and most important thing is to get to a retinal specialist/surgeon. I was referred to one but had to travel to a large city. Even they can’t see what you’re seeing but should understand and certainly have the ability to safely perform the vitrectomy. As with any surgery, understand the risks (in this case a retinal detachment) but make sure the physician also understands your desperation. I had little luck getting my optometrist or ophthalmologist to understand my problem because I didn’t understand myself what was wrong and probably didn’t do a good job of explaining what I was experiencing. I’m not sure sure it’s helpful to just complain of floaters because what I saw was unlike any floaters I had had before. Like you, my vision was continually being obscured by moving clouds of debris from the deteriorating vitreous. It started in one eye but eventually involved both eyes. I think there was a time surgery was discouraged because the need depended on a patient’s subjective report of the problem as well as the accompanying potential risk of a detachment, perhaps especially more so in the past. I almost gave up finding help but am so glad I didn’t.
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Hi Susan, Thanks for relating your experiences as I’ve gone through something similar. I’m almost 62 and nearsighted all my life. My floaters in both eyes are maddening and obstructive. Night driving has gotten to be “white knuckled”. I love watching hockey but have trouble finding the puck, or finding the RIGHT puck (eyes watch a floater rather than puck).
Anyway, have you had the vitrectomy or are you still considering it? I have been checking out Dr Jerry Sebag at online Presentations he did at Ophthalmology conferences on Youtube at SOE 2017 and 2019 and otherwise. He seems to be the quintessential expert on the vitreous and floaters. He has defined Vision Degrading Myodesopsia as an actual, clinically measurable DISEASE. He does Contrast Sensitivity and quantitative ultrasound testing (and other testing/questionnaires) to determine how significantly the floaters are affecting a person’s vision and, thereby, quality of life.
Dr Sebag’s practice is in California and I am in Pennsylvania. However, he was kind enough to recommend a retinal surgeon in my area. At this point, I’m STILL considering the surgery and I’m glad that I am, somewhat, more knowledgeable for my discussion with the surgeon.
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@susan2018 Thanks for your response as it is very helpful. I need to insist on getting referral to retinal specialist.