 |
|
| Floaters often appear as tiny 'worms' within aperson's vision, |
|
| |
|
Floaters are small
particles of the inner eye that float around in the clear liquids and
gels within the eye. They are common among all people, but can be created
or exacerbated by conventional or custom wavefront Lasik, Bladeless Lasik, and Epi-Lasik. Existing floaters can be disturbed by almost any eye
surgery.
Increased Intraocular Pressure
During Lasik, Bladeless
Lasik, and Epi-Lasik surgery, the pressure inside the eye is elevated
when the microkeratome vacuum ring is attached. Extended elevated internal
pressure can cause minor to major detachment of the vitreous or retina.
Such detachment can cause floaters or other more serious problems. Although
the duration of the elevated pressure during these procedures is short,
it may be enough to induce floaters in those who are already predisposed
to floaters.
Severe Myopia
People who are severely myopic (nearsighted, shortsighted) have a higher risk of retinal
problems because the eye is elongated and the retina is often stretched
over this larger than normal eye ball. For this reason, people with
extreme myopia tend to be predisposed to floaters.
Changes in contrast sensitivity may cause existing floaters to become more
noticeable. Changes in contrast sensitivity are not unusual with refractive surgery, but it is rare the change is significant enough
to be problematic.
There is no cure for
floaters, however the brain seems to become accustomed to them and will
ignore minor floaters.
VitreoRetina Specialist
If you have a history
of floaters or problems with the vitreous or retina, it may be wise
to be evaluated by a retina specialist before having Lasik, Bladeless
Lasik, or Epi-Lasik.
Although there is always
the possibility of problems, PRK and LASEK do not require the high inner eye pressure of Lasik, Bladeless
Lasik, and Epi-Lasik, therefore PRK or LASEK may be appropriate alternatives.
Looking For Best Lasik Surgeon?
If you are ready to choose a doctor to be evaluated for conventional
or custom wavefront Lasik, Bladeless Lasik, PRK, or any refractive surgery procedure, we recommend you consider a doctor who has been evaluated and certified by the USAEyes nonprofit organization.
Locate a USAEyes Evaluated & Certified Lasik Doctor.
Personalized Answers
If this article did not fully answer your questions, use our
free Ask Lasik Expert patient forum.
