Vitrectomy for Floaters

Summary

As we get older, some of us may see “floaters” in our field of vision. In rare cases when many of these floating specks interfere with vision while driving or reading, onetreatment option is vitrectomy—surgical removal of the eye’s vitreous gel.

Causes

The vitreous gel is attached to the retina at birth. At some point, as a natural part of aging, the vitreous pulls free from the retina. This posterior vitreous detachment is the most common cause of floaters. Blood, inflammatory cells, or pigment cells may also collect in the vitreous cavity.

Symptoms

With aging, vitreous gel may develop opacities (unclear areas) and movement, creating the sensation of bugs or dirt in the vision due to shadows cast onto the retina.