145 Church St, Mudgee NSW 2850
Alternate Wednesdays: 1:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Ph: + 02 6100 3300
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What Are Floaters?
Eye floaters are small, seemingly random visual anomalies that appear in one's field of vision. They can vary in shape, size, and consistency and might look like spots, threads, or webs that drift about when you move your eyes and seem to dart away when you try to look directly at them. Typically, floaters are most noticeable when looking at a bright, uniform background, like a clear sky or a white wall.
Causes of Eye Floaters
How Do People Get Eye Floaters?
Floaters are usually caused by age-related changes that occur as the vitreous, a gel-like substance that fills about 80% of the eye and helps it maintain a round shape, liquefies and shrinks. This process can cause microscopic fibers within the vitreous to clump together and cast tiny shadows on your retina. Other causes include:
- Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD): Common in people over 60, where the vitreous pulls away from the retina.
- Inflammation in the eye due to infectious or autoimmune diseases.
- Bleeding in the eye from diabetes, hypertension, or injury.
- Torn retina which can lead to retinal detachment if untreated
Symptoms of Eye Floaters
Recognising the Symptoms
The primary symptom of floaters is the appearance of small shapes that drift through one's vision. Other symptoms might include:
- Sudden increase in number of floaters.
- Flashes of light (photopsia).
- Darkening or a shadow from the peripheral sides of your vision.
Types of Eye Floaters
Identifying Different Forms
- Fibrous Floaters: These are due to collagen fibers within the vitreous.
- Weiss Ring: A specific type of floater that forms when the vitreous pulls away from the optic nerve.
- Haemorrhagic Floaters: Caused by blood cells in the vitreous, usually from diabetic retinopathy or an injury.
Treatment Options for Eye Floaters
Effective Management and Treatment
- Observation: Often, no treatment is necessary unless floaters impair your vision.
- Laser Vitreolysis: A laser is used to break up floaters to reduce their visual impact. This procedure is effective for certain types of floaters and has minimal risks.
- Vitrectomy: In more severe cases, a vitrectomy may be recommended. This surgery involves removing the vitreous gel along with any floaters from the eye, replacing it with a salt solution.
Modern Approaches to Managing Eye Floaters
Innovative and Safe Treatments
At our clinic, we utilise the latest diagnostic tools to determine the severity of the floaters and recommend the best course of treatment. Our treatment plans are tailored to each patient's specific conditions, ensuring optimal outcomes with the least invasive procedures possible.
Treatment Process
Streamlined Care from Diagnosis to Recovery Our streamlined treatment process ensures efficient care from your initial consultation through to your recovery. We prioritise your comfort and clarity about the treatment steps and expected outcomes.
01. Consultation and Custom Assessment
During your initial visit, Dr Qureshi conducts a detailed assessment of your eye health to customise your treatment plan, ensuring it aligns with your specific health needs and vision goals.
02. Laser Vitreolysis
Our comprehensive post-treatment care includes follow-up visits to monitor your recovery and ensure optimal outcomes. We also provide guidance on maintaining your eye health post-treatment.
03. Vitrectomy Procedure
For more severe cases, vitrectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the vitreous gel and floaters from the eye, may be recommended. This method is highly effective in restoring clear vision.
04. Post-Treatment Care and Support
Our comprehensive post-treatment care includes follow-up visits to monitor your recovery and ensure optimal outcomes. We also provide guidance on maintaining your eye health post-treatment.
Benefits
Enhance Your Vision and Quality of Life
Treating eye floaters not only aims to clear your vision but also enhances your overall quality of life. Our clinic offers advanced, patient-centered care tailored to address the unique visual needs of each individual. By choosing to treat your eye floaters with us, you can experience several significant benefits:
- Improved Visual Clarity: Reduce the visual disturbances caused by floaters, thereby improving the sharpness and clarity of your vision.
- Reduced Annoyance and Distraction: By minimizing or eliminating floaters, you can decrease the daily annoyances and distractions they cause, allowing for a more focused and enjoyable visual experience.
- Early Detection of Eye Health Issues: Comprehensive evaluations during treatment can detect underlying retinal tears or potential retinal detachment, ensuring timely interventions.
- Access to Expert Care: Dr Qureshi is a dual-fellowship trained retinal specialist who is experienced in the latest treatment techniques, providing you with expert care.
- Enhanced Safety: With minimally invasive treatment options available, you can achieve better vision with less risk compared to more extensive surgical procedures.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that you are proactively managing your eye health contributes to greater overall well-being and peace of mind.
Choosing to address eye floaters can significantly improve your daily life, alleviating the unnecessary stress and discomfort they often cause. Let our experts guide you through your options to find the best solution tailored to your needs.