Vitrectomy for cloudy vitreous and floaters

I am very nearsighted and have also had lens replacement in both eyes. And, I suffer from cloudy vitreous and floating globs that obstruct both my distance and close up vision. My ophthalmologist has informed me that due to prior three retinal detachments (and associated surgeries) I am not a good candidate for vitrectomy to treat my floaters. My younger brother had the same type of floaters, but not the history of retinal detachments. He had the vitrectomy procedure to treat his floater problems a few years ago, and had yet to experience any adverse side effects. I would definitely consider this surgery if I was a candidate. It has been my experience that top caliber physicians are happy to give second opinions and have their patients get them. If you have concerns about whether a vitrectomy is appropriate for you to treat floaters, I would suggest seeking out a second opinion. I would add that the Mayo Clinic would be a very trustworthy place to do so.

@usc94 Thanks for your insights usc94. I'm curious how much the vitrectomy improved your brother's vision?

He reports the procedure made a huge difference in the amount of floaters he was having to look through.

I had this procedure on both eyes. It is amazing how clear and bright everything is now. Just watching TV or reading is much more enjoyable. Driving at night had become very challenging, but now it is great! I do have dry eyes, but that could also have been from the cataract surgery. However, I would definitely take the dry eyes over the floaters any day! I would suggest that you use a highly rated, experienced ophthalmologist or a retina specialist. (I used a retina specialist.) This might help clear up your vision and prevent the dry eyes. Good luck! (I forgot to add that there are now some very good prescription drops for dry eyes. They have made a huge difference for me. )

Thanks Teacher502 for responding. That's encouraging. I've been putting off the vitrectomies because I don't want any long-term side effects. Maybe I'm being too nervous about that. I do have a reputable retina specialist in Boston. Did your doc say anything about long-term side-effects? Curious how long ago you had your vitrectomies?

I am 68. It was 3 years ago. Boston is a great place to be for this. I was like a child after it healed.. (a day or two) just walking around and looking at everything as if seeing clearly for the first time. I did not realize how much time I was using trying to shift the spots around or how much sight I was missing. The long term effect is just moderate dry eyes but restasis has helped tremendously. I have no regrets and highly recommend!

usc94. I'm sorry to hear about all the things you're going through with your vision. My son suffered with his vision all his life until he passed away on August 31 this year. he had retinal detachment and had his left eye removed. your eye is ver delicate and many things can cause you problem with your vision including acoustic chemicals. extreme heat too often, high blood presure and high stress in your life if not brought under control. I am now having trouble with my vision. My optomologist told me I have angular glaucoma and caterac. and I need surgery, however my MD says he doesn't think I need the surgery. I;m getting a second openion. My MD also said he signs of Hyperthyroidism and I've got to go to a specialist for that. Whether you know this or not your Thyroid Gland is the master Gland in your body that controls your whole system. So my final resolve is there are numerous of things that can cause our problem with our vision including Trauma to our head.

hello-Teacher and Ferd-
I am having somekind of issue after cataract surgery (10 months ago!!!)--one dr. has suggested that it is a big attached floater.....I am in Boston...who were your drs.?????

Dr D. Vavvas is one of the retina docs I've seen. Seems good. And Dr Christian Song is my opthalmologist/cornea specialist. He did the cataract/lense surgery which went well. They both told me that any floaters and vitreous opacities may be more visible to me after cataract surgery, which they are. If you haven't seen a retina doc yet, it might be worth a shot.

Teachers502. I'm not at liberty to divulge my DR's name without his permission, however I do trust him, next to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, so if you don't have confidence in your Dr. I suggest you find another one whom you can put trust in totell you the truth, and not to make a buck.