Embedded below is a recent video of an actual vitrectomy (FOV) I performed on a patient with significant floaters who had a natural PVD and, as you’ll see, significant floaters.
60 Year Old Airline Pilot
This is a 60 year old commercial airline pilot. He has had floaters for several years and has been plagued by large floaters interrupting his vision especially at distance.
The floaters were confirmed by examination and by the fact they truly were influenced with eye movement (if whatever you are seeing and calling “floaters” – do they move to and fro with eye movement?).
PVD is Present
I did not have to induce a PVD. This patient already had sustained a PVD. If you study the video, you can see some very large floaters and a PVD (posterior vitreous detachment).
The ability for me to see the floaters during exam or operation is not important, but for demonstration purposes, this was a great example of a patient with visible opacities (floaters) and a PVD.
PVD is Common in Older
First of all, a PVD occurs, eventually, in everyone. The prevalence increases as we get older.
It is a natural event. When we are born, the vitreous is adherent to the surface of the retina. At some point in our life, the vitreous actually peels away or separates from the retina. The anterior vitreous will always remain adherent to the retina.
A PVD is characterized by the sudden onset of floaters and flashes. A PVD can cause a retinal tear and, thus, a retinal detachment. Therefore, new floaters should always be checked by your eye doctor looking for retinal tears or detachment.
PVD and Vitrectomy
It is much easier to remove the vitreous in a patient with a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). As the posterior portion of the vitreous is no longer adherent or tethered to the retina, this free-floating vitreous gel is more easily is removed.
The operation was performed with the Alcon Constellation 25 gauge vitrectomy system….the best and safest available!
Randy
Randall V. Wong, M.D.
Retina Specialist
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
www.VitrectomyForFloaters.com