New Research Could Mean Less Invasive Eye Floater Treatment

Last time we discussed the importance of paying close attention to the appearance of eye floaters. Also going by the Latin phrasemuscae volitante, which literally translates to “hovering flies”, these floaters happen when microscopic debris leaks into the eye. When the eye’s gel-like substance called the vitreous humor breaks off, these drops may cause retina shadows as they float around. Even if you have 20/20 vision, floaters can still happen to you.

A non-invasive method of treating eye floaters has yet to be devised, forcing patients to either undergo surgery or learn to live with the ailment. However, a pair of doctors at Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston may have discovered a solution involving the use of YAG lasers. These lasers are typically used for surgeries involving cataracts. After testing over thirty patients, over fifty percent of the patients that received treatment saw a decrease in floaters over a six month period compared to the nine percent that received a placebo.

The results of the testing have yet to show any side effects and the treatment appears to be safe, but it remains to be seen if any issues will arise in the long term. The future bodes well for using YAG lasers to one day treat floaters in a less invasive way.

This information is presented by Retina Macula Specialists of Miami, the largest private retina practice in the city. We are a nationally acclaimed retina practice dedicated to the medical and surgical management of vitreoretinal diseases. Each of our extensively trained doctors are Diplomates of the American Board of Ophthalmology and are highly qualified to treat a wide variety of retinal conditions including but not limited to diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage treatment macular problems, age-related macular degeneration, and CSR. We have three convenient locations in Miami, Coral Gables, and North Miami Beach. For contact information or to request an appointment, please visit http://retinamaculamiami.com.