Will I Still Have Floaters After Retinal Detachment Surgery?
Retinal detachment is a medical urgency. This means as soon as it occurs, you should get treatment immediately, otherwise, there is a chance that you will lose your vision if treatment is delayed.
Retinal detachment surgery is an effective treatment for this condition. However, just as it is beneficial, it also comes with its risks and side effects such as floaters.
In this article, we discuss what floaters are and why they might still be present after retinal detachment surgery. We also cover some tips on managing them and when to consult your doctor.
What Are Floaters?
If you have had a retinal detachment surgery and are seeing some dark, tiny, specks, or threads moving around your field of vision, then you might be experiencing floaters.
They also appear as shadowy shapes and move as your eyes move. If you try to look at them directly, they tend to disappear.
Floaters are a sign of ageing but other factors can increase the chances of developing them too. Such include;
- Nearsightedness (myopia)
- Eye injuries
- Cataract surgery
- Inflammation within the eye
When a retinal detachment occurs, the retina is usually pulled from its position, causing bleeding or tissue release into the vitreous.
After a retinal detachment surgery, you might notice more floaters. This could be due to changes in the vitreous caused by the surgery or additional bleeding that may have occurred.
Why Floaters Persist After Surgery
Retinal detachment surgery is a procedure aimed at reattaching the retina to its proper place at the back of the eye. While it is highly effective in preventing further damage and loss of vision, it doesn’t directly address the vitreous gel where floaters originate.
However, the process of the surgery can disturb the vitreous gel inside the eye, causing more fibres to clump and cast shadows, which appear as floaters.
Because of these two factors, patients may notice the development of floaters or an increase in the number of their pre‐existing floaters after retinal detachment surgery.
Here are more reasons you continue having floaters after the surgery;
Surgical techniques ‐ As explained above, the technique used in this surgery isn’t expected to remove floaters. On the contrary, it may lead to the appearance of more floaters as it may cause changes in the vitreous.
Bleeding and inflammation ‐ Surgery can sometimes lead to minor bleeding inside the eye or inflammation. Both of these can contribute to the creation of new floaters.
Natural Ageing of the eye ‐ The vitreous continues to degenerate naturally as you age. This means new floaters can develop over time regardless of the surgery.
Managing Floaters Post-Surgery
After retinal detachment surgery, dealing with leftover floaters can be a bit tiring. However, there are several practical steps you can take to manage them and minimise their effect on your daily life.
Here is what you can do:
Adjust your viewing habits ‐ Sometimes, changing the way you view things can help. For example, avoid looking at plain, bright backgrounds like a clear sky or a white computer screen where floaters are more visible. Instead, opt for textured and varied visual environments that make floaters less noticeable.
Proper lighting ‐ Use adequate lighting when reading or doing close work. This can reduce the visibility of floaters.
Eye exercises ‐ Eye exercises might be helpful to some people. This may include rolling the eyes in a circular motion or looking up and down. It may help move the floaters out of your primary line of vision.
Regular eye check-ups ‐ Keep up with your regular eye examinations. If you notice any changes in the number or type of floaters, or if you start seeing flashes of light, consult your eye doctor immediately. These could be signs of complications.
