Myodesopsias or floaters are those annoying floating bodies that appear in front of your eyes continuously. They are most visible when looking at a clear, well-lit background. They are usually mobile and can be located in the visual axis, causing visual incapacity to perform tasks that require visual precision, such as near vision.
Causes of myodesopsias
Myodesopsias are caused by a shadow cast by the vitreous gel on the patient’s retina. With age, this gel undergoes degeneration in the form of condensations (SYNNERESIS) and lacunae (SYNKISSIS); to this, we must add in many cases a detachment of the posterior vitreous, which causes the patient’s symptomatology in the form of flying flies (myodesopsias).
Treatment of myodesopsias
Today, there is a non-invasive (non-surgical) solution to this annoying visual problem.
Classically, we ophthalmologists have explained to our patients that they have two alternatives:
- Risky vitreoretinal surgery, called vitrectomy.
- Learn to live with them and wait for them to move out of the visual axis.
These options have been joined by two more:
- Enzymatic vitreolysis
- Laser vitreolysis, which is the technique we use for the treatment of myodesopsia.
There are publications that indicate that 90% of patients suffering from this symptomatology can be treated and that they obtain a total or partial improvement in 80% of the cases.
Obviously, it is a very precise treatment but it is not free of complications; it can have side effects, such as cataract, increased intraocular pressure, macular edema…
Analysis of the published series of 1,500 consecutive cases shows that the incidence of these complications is absolutely exceptional. No case of retinal detachment has been documented in these publications. We believe, therefore, that it is a very safe procedure based on the scientific literature analyzed.
If you suffer from myodesopsia, you should be thoroughly examined by an ophthalmology specialist. He will evaluate the state of your macula, your peripheral retina, the state and classification of your posterior vitreous detachment, as well as the type and location of the myodesopsias. We can safely treat all opacities within 3 mm of the retina and 4 mm of the lens.
Laser vitreolysis for the treatment of myodesopsias
The laser vitreolysis technique consists of emitting impacts with the Ellex Ultra Q reflex LASER, focused exactly on the vitreous opacity. The focal temperature rises to 4000º centigrade and we vaporize the vitreous tissue, forming gas bubbles. In less than 12 hours the patient experiences a great improvement of his symptoms and a clearer vision. All this in a painless 30-minute procedure, without the need for surgery.
In some cases it may be necessary to repeat the procedure to eliminate or reduce the patient’s symptoms.
If you suffer from myodesopsia, do not hesitate to come to our office, we can help you reduce your perception of flying flies by 80-90%, improving your quality of life.