Post by montuiiri on Apr 18, 2005 6:11:35 GMT -5
I have floaters and am 20. i have been advised by my friend in holland to contact an FOV Dr in Belgium. I had a reply which should be helpful to anyone really struggleing!
Here it is:
Dear Sir,
If a patient is still bothered by floaters four months after the onset of them, we consider removing them by surgery. Since a few years this type of surgery is performed through micro-incisions (25G), which yields in less discomfort for the patient and faster healing.
However, such surgery (vitrectomy) is still major eye-surgery, and complications are always possible:
a. Cataract: at your age <10% incidence. If it develops, cataract surgery with implantation of an artificial lens is indicated. Usually occurs within 6 months after a vitrectomy.
b. Retinal detachment: since the peripheral retina is lasered, incidence is <0.2%. If it occurs, surgery is needed for repair, and loss of vision is possible. If it develops, it is always within two months postop.
c. Infection: <0.1% incidence. Is a severe complication that always occurs within days. That’s the reason I prefer to hospitalize patients for 2 nights after the surgery. If prompt action is undertaken in case of infection, repair is usually possible.
If you would like to discuss this further, please contact my secretary Lieve Willems for making an appointment on a Wednesday morning. Her phone number is +32-16-332660.
Sincerely yours,
Peter Stalmans, M.D., Ph.D.
Vitreoretinal Surgeon
Here it is:
Dear Sir,
If a patient is still bothered by floaters four months after the onset of them, we consider removing them by surgery. Since a few years this type of surgery is performed through micro-incisions (25G), which yields in less discomfort for the patient and faster healing.
However, such surgery (vitrectomy) is still major eye-surgery, and complications are always possible:
a. Cataract: at your age <10% incidence. If it develops, cataract surgery with implantation of an artificial lens is indicated. Usually occurs within 6 months after a vitrectomy.
b. Retinal detachment: since the peripheral retina is lasered, incidence is <0.2%. If it occurs, surgery is needed for repair, and loss of vision is possible. If it develops, it is always within two months postop.
c. Infection: <0.1% incidence. Is a severe complication that always occurs within days. That’s the reason I prefer to hospitalize patients for 2 nights after the surgery. If prompt action is undertaken in case of infection, repair is usually possible.
If you would like to discuss this further, please contact my secretary Lieve Willems for making an appointment on a Wednesday morning. Her phone number is +32-16-332660.
Sincerely yours,
Peter Stalmans, M.D., Ph.D.
Vitreoretinal Surgeon