Laststarfighter

Does anyone have eye floaters? Mine are pretty bad, lots of them. I've been considering a vitrectomy to get them sucked out however you are guaranteed to get cataracts shortly after. I was wondering if anyone in here is dealing with bothersome eye floaters.

rickair7777

If they don't prevent you from reading 20/20 I'd be reluctant to mess with it.

e6bpilot

Agree with the above advice. They are annoying at times, but I think dealing with them is better than the alternative. Unless they are impacting your ability to fly safely, I would highly suggest not doing anything invasive to your eyes.

JohnBurke

Myodesopsias includes floaters and flashes; it can be either, or both. Are you seeing both, and are either impacting your vision?

Do you have, or have you been tested for diabetes?

Is this a recent change in your vision?

Have you had a retinal examination?

If this is a recent change, or a change that you recall occurring (wasn't always there), it is of significant concern, and warrants examination.

A vitrectomy risks not only cateracts, but a retinal tear or separation. Both can be disqualifying. Cateracts are not guaranteed, but are certainly a possibility.

PVD, or post-vitreous detachment, is vitreal detachment from the retina (not the same as retinal detachment), and is typically accompanied by floaters, flashes, etc. An exam should include a humphrey fields test. An opthalmoloogist should be consulted for an exam, rather than an optimologist.

Eye floaters are common with aging, and also come with varioius conditions, such as Diabete; retinal bleeding, tearing, or a rupture. Any change should be investigated immediately.

Eye floaters are not just a function of old age, and so long as you have proper visual acuity (can pass the vision tests) and they aren't interfering with your vision (other than an annoyance) they should not present a problem, so long as this doesn't progress or get worse. A consultation with an opthalmologist should be conducted to verify there are no conditions associated with this, which warrrant treatment.

Laststarfighter

Thanks for all the replies. To answer some questions. I can still see 20/20 and my eye is healthy. I’ve been to several ophthalmologists/retinal specialists over the years, no retinal tears or detachments. I’ve had floaters for 13 years, noticed them in the Air Force. However over the years, especially the past 6 months they’ve gotten worse. Another eye doc appointment recently and a PVD was confirmed. I can safely do my job, fly at night more, etc.

However at this point it’s a quality of life issue, there are so many it’s ridiculous. Like a snow globe of crap. I’m not sure what I’m going to do yet as I’d rather not screw with the eyes. I’m meeting with my AME soon. Thanks for the replies and messages.

JohnBurke

Typically with a vitrectomy, fluid in the eye is replaced with a silicon solution, or is replaced for a period of time and then removed; a gas bubble is typically also introduced to the eye to maintain pressure and shape (and relation of internals). Secondary surgery is required to remove solution is some cases, but not all. Each surgery carries with it risk of complications, as I'm sure you're aware.

With the eye work, extended bedrest may be required; depending on what's been done. PVD brings with it the risk of a retinal separation or tear. In the case of a vitrectomy or pneumatic retinopexy, you may need to keep your head in a fixed, semi-elevated position for a period of time, two or three weeks, following surgery, and cannot fly.

If it's something you decide to pursue, be sure to get second, or even third opinions and evaluations, before proceding.

RadialGal

I've always had floaters.....heck I've even given some names! They've never kept me from a 1st class though.......good luck!

RadialGal