DEAR DR. GOTT:
My husband and I need your help. A while ago my husband had surgery to correct an eyelid problem. His eyelids and eyelashes were growing backward into his eyes causing an excessive buildup of “matter”. Following surgery, he was fine but now has “cobwebs” in his vision. This usually occurs when looking at people or walls. Sometimes he can blink and the lines disappear, other times it does not help at all.
He was seen by a board certified ophthalmologist who diagnosed him with “floaters” and said he can go blind from this condition.
DEAR READER:
Floaters are spots, strings or cobweb-like shadows that occur within the line of vision. They move as the eyes move so if trying to look at them, they disappear. They are painless and usually harmless.
Most people over the age of 40 will experience floaters to some degree. This is because of age-related eye shrinkage. The jelly-like substance that fills the eye (vitreous or white part of the eye) starts to liquefy, pulling away from the outer layer of the eye and retina (part of the eye responsible for sight). This causes the fine fibers within to clump together which in turn creates shadows over the retina. Other causes of floaters include eye trauma, cataract surgery complications, nearsightedness, eye inflammation and diabetic retinopathy.
In most cases, this process occurs slowly and the fibers will eventually settle to the bottom of the eye, out of the line of vision and needs no treatment. Rarely, it can occur rapidly causing the fibers the pull tightly or completely detach. This can lead to a sudden increase in the number of floaters and may cause a sensation of flashing lights. These are symptoms of a retinal tear or detachment.
If your husband has any increased symptoms, he must see his ophthalmologist immediately because even a span of a few days can lead to permanent loss of vision if the retina cannot be repaired.
To the best of my knowledge there is only one procedure that may be able to eliminate floaters but it is fairly risky. During the procedure a hollow needle is used to remove the vitreous and replace it with a saltwater solution. However, there are some risky side effects such as retinal detachment (leading to blindness) and cataracts. There is also a chance that not all the floaters will be eliminated so this procedure is only for individuals who have numerous floaters that severely interfere with normal vision.
All that being said, I agree with your husband’s current eye specialist that the surgery is not an appropriate option. As I stated before, most floaters may clear with time so your husband should wait and (pardon the pun) watch. If symptoms worsen, he needs to see his specialist immediately. If not, nothing needs to be done. If you wish, you can always seek a second opinion from another ophthalmologist.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Medical Specialists”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
About Dr. Gott