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| SOME EYE FLOATER FACTS
The vitreous gel is 99% water and 1% solid elements. Of the solid portion, there are collagen filaments and hyaluronic acid molecules. The ability of hyaluronic acid molecules to retain water molecules is an important factor in maintaining the gel consistency of vitreous. With age, there is a depolymerisation of hyaluronic acid, causing these molecules to release their water and form lacunae i.e. pockets of liquefied vitreous. The collagen 'filaments' aggregate to form larger 'fibrils', causing further collapse of the vitreous gel structure. This process is known as vitreous degeneration and 'syneresis'. The collagen fibrils may 'float' within the liquid vitreous pockets, giving the patient a sensation of floaters. The same process that causes floaters may cause flashes of light. When the vitreous pulls on the retina - to which it is attached - the photoreceptors are mechanically stimulated. The retinal cells are incapable of perceiving pain, pressure, or temperature. The only stimulus that the retina responds to is 'light'. So when the retinal photoreceptors experience mechanical stimulation because of the vitreous pull, they send a signal to the brain in the form of disorganized light, which is perceived by the brain as a 'flash'.
Eventually, with the accumulation of enough lacunae (liquified vitreous pockets), the vitreous framework collapses and the vitreous completely separates from the retina. This process is called posterior vitreous detachment . Tissue may tear from an area adjacent to or from the optic nerve head due to an acute posterior vitreous detachment. This tissue (called Weiss ring) is usually visible as a large floater. Posterior vitreous detachment occurs in less that 10% people under 50 years of age but in more than 60% people who are over 70 years of age. It is more common for people who are nearsighted, who have had an eye injury, have undergone eye surgery,or have had inflammation inside the eye.
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| How Does Laser Work?
It's actually quite simple. The Laser, the Swiss made 'LASAG Microruptor II', which was specifically made to work in the vitreous, is focused to a 6 micron spot. In the case of small eye floaters, the energy at the focal point teases apart or breaks up the eye floater to the point of minimal perception. With the larger clumps that actually obscure vision, the laser cuts the supporting strands to drop it out of the visual axis. |
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| Laser...focused to a 6 micron spot |
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| LASER TREATMENT
A simple concept that requires a high level of skill and experience to avoid damage to the delicate internal structures of the eye - the source of our visual perception.......
We have the longest and largest documented clinical experience in laser floater treatment in the Western Hemisphere, and possibly the World. We are proud of our accomplishments in this field. |
The Actual Procedure
Patients from out of town should expect to spend at least 3 days. Laser is a outpatient/office procedure with virtually no recovery time. Normal activities can usually be resumed after dilating drops wear off - about 3 - 6 hours. | |
| Scott Geller M.D. performs a wide range of ophthalmic surgical procedures for conditions such as cataract, glaucoma, corneal disease, and refractive errors. His special interest in vitreous floaters has helped thousands of patients from around the world who have sought his help. Dr. Geller is usually available to speak with potential patients, or their ophthalmologists. Call us during normal hours (eastern US time) at 239-275-8222 or 877-371-3937 (free call in the US). Web video conference is available throught iChat/AOL or YahooIM. Call us for details. |
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