Floaters. What they are and how an ophthalmologist can help you.

1. Floaters. What they are and how an ophthalmologist can help you Have you ever felt a speck cross your vision? Be it dust, or dirt, you know what I mean. Floaters feel much like that. Looking like spots or strands that float past your vision, or in your vision, they are little flecks of collagen that come from the vitreous around your eye and form bundles which cast shadows. These little flecks are not from external sources, they are small bits of the fibres that connect yourvitreous to your retina. The shadow is called the floater, and it is what can affect your vision. What causes floaters is a common question people ask, usually afraid that something they have done has caused their floaters to appear. Rest assured, it is a part of ageing and you have a better chance of it happening to the other eye if it happens to one. Sometimes, people can live with the floaters. Very little can be done apart from seeking surgery. The surgery is not as complex as you may think, and the benefits of clarity in your vision may outweigh any fear of surgery you could have. Your options are simple. Have surgery or don’t have surgery. If your vision is not badly affected, you could get used to your new way of seeing the world. If it does bother you, then rest assured the surgery is not long, nor complicated. Speaking to an ophthalmologist about it should be your next step. Once you have had all the details explained to you, and you have explained your symptoms, your doctor will examine your eye. Only after a thorough examination will an ophthalmologist give you a diagnosis. Never accept a consultation with a quack for fear of private eye hospital prices. The simplicity of the procedure means it is one your surgeon has performed many times over. Private clinics can be much less expensive than people realise, but what does make a big difference is the speed at which you can get surgery. The same surgery that is used for macula holes, a vitrectomy, is what is used for floaters. The holes are in the same area where you get these clumps of shadow forming tissue that can, when very serious, cause limited vision. Ophthalmologists practise the vitrectomy surgery on a daily basis. Though any eye surgery could feel terrifying, a trusted surgeon can explain the details to you in a way that will put you at ease. Once you have decided on a course of action, you should see the results, especially if you heed your surgeon’s recovery advice. Floaters do not need to be permanent. The time taken for the eye to heal after surgery for floaters depends on the person. For some it could be 2 days, while for others it could be 2 weeks. What will make a huge difference is how well you follow the doctor’s orders. Do not attempt to get back to work too soon, as all you could do is undo the work you have done. Your eye will heal after surgery, especially when given the opportunity to do so.Don’t let floaters alarm you and get worse over time. If you think you may have developed them, make an appointment with a trusted doctor who can provide you with the information and the support you need.

2. In many cases, no surgery is needed at all. If you give it one month or even up to six months, floaters will heal by themselves. The point of seeing a doctor is just to get a diagnosis and their expert advice. About us: Retina Surgeon UK is the private medical practice owned by Dr. Muqit. He is famous for being the surgeon to insert the world’s first bionic eye. Not only does he work as a world-class surgeon in both Moorfields Eye Hospital and Harley Street Clinic, but he also invests his time in research and training. For more information, go to: https://www.retinasurgeon.uk.com