Our Summary

This research paper is about the treatment of ‘floaters,’ which are shadows we see in our vision caused by protein strands in the jelly-like substance of the eye clumping together and scattering light. Two common treatments are the use of a specific type of laser to break up the clumps, or a surgery to replace the jelly-like substance with a salt solution. The goal of this paper was to compare the effectiveness and safety of the two treatments. After searching a variety of medical databases and resources, the authors did not find any randomized controlled trials (the gold standard in research) that compared the two treatments directly. Therefore, they recommend that future research should be conducted using randomized controlled trials to better understand the benefits and risks of these treatments.

FAQs

  1. What are ‘floaters’ and what causes them?
  2. What are the two common treatments for ‘floaters’ discussed in the research paper?
  3. Why does the research paper recommend conducting randomized controlled trials for the treatment of ‘floaters’?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about vitrectomy is to follow all post-operative instructions carefully, including taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and avoiding strenuous activities that could put strain on the eyes. It is important to give the eyes time to heal properly after surgery to ensure the best possible outcome.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for vitrectomy surgery include those with severe floaters that significantly impair their vision or quality of life, those with floaters that are not responsive to other treatments such as laser therapy, and those with complications such as retinal detachment or bleeding in the eye. Patients with other eye conditions such as macular hole or epiretinal membrane may also be recommended for vitrectomy surgery. It is important for patients to discuss their individual situation with their ophthalmologist to determine if vitrectomy is the best course of treatment for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before Vitrectomy:

  1. Patient notices floaters in their vision, which may appear as dark spots, cobwebs, or strings.
  2. Patient may experience flashes of light or decreased vision.
  3. Patient consults with an ophthalmologist who recommends a vitrectomy surgery to remove the floaters.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative assessments and tests to ensure they are a suitable candidate for the surgery.

After Vitrectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes the vitrectomy surgery, which involves removing the vitreous gel from the eye and replacing it with a salt solution.
  2. Patient may experience some discomfort or blurry vision immediately after the surgery.
  3. Patient is prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and promote healing.
  4. Patient is advised to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for a period of time to prevent complications.
  5. Patient attends follow-up appointments with their ophthalmologist to monitor their recovery and assess the success of the surgery.
  6. Patient may notice an improvement in their vision as the floaters are removed and their vision becomes clearer.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with vitrectomy surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period after vitrectomy surgery?
  3. What are the success rates of vitrectomy surgery in improving vision and reducing floaters?
  4. Are there any alternative treatments to vitrectomy surgery that I should consider?
  5. How many vitrectomy surgeries have you performed and what is your success rate?
  6. Will I need to undergo any additional procedures or follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  7. How long do the effects of vitrectomy surgery typically last?
  8. What is the likelihood of developing any complications or side effects after the surgery?
  9. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after undergoing vitrectomy surgery?
  10. Can you provide me with any additional information or resources about vitrectomy surgery?

Reference

Authors: Kokavec J, Wu Z, Sherwin JC, Ang AJ, Ang GS. Journal: Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017 Jun 1;6(6):CD011676. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD011676.pub2. PMID: 28570745