The goal of FOV (vitrectomy to remove floaters) is to significantly reduce the amount or number of floaters WITHOUT causing damage to the eye. In many cases, most if not all floaters, are removed.
Complications of FOV
There are several possible complications of vitrectomy (FOV) including blindness from infection, retinal detachment or cataract formation.
While cataract formation can occur, it usually involves temporary decreased vision until cataract surgery is performed.
Intraocular infection and retinal detachment have the potential, however, to cause permanent loss of vision. Thus, to me, these are the most serious possible complications and are actually true complications due to the permanence of the events.
“Frill” Following FOV
Some patients are able “see” the border between cut and uncut vitreous after FOV. There are usually complaints of seeing a wavy edge, usually in the peripheral vision, representing a contrast between remaining vitreous and no vitreous.
Though disappointing, I encourage patients not to consider this as failure or a complication. Frill can be reduced or removed. Frill does not represent permanent damage to the eye.
“Frill” versus Floaters
Many patients who experience frill become just as concerned as though the frill were new floaters.
Frill does not happen in most patients. In my experience, it occurs most often in young patients who have floaters and no PVD (posterior vitreous detachment).
Keep in mind our goal…to significantly or completely remove your floaters. Your goal should not be to have surgery to produce perfect vision. While this is possible, it should not be your primary goal.
No doctor can guarantee you perfect vision…or least he/she shouldn’t!
If frill were to develop following FOV, additional surgery might be helpful to alleviate the frill.
Avoiding Frill
I am often asked if frill can be avoided. Remember, that it is impossible to remove all vitreous from an eye.
My goal is to operate without causing permanent damage. The more aggressive I need to be in removing more and more vitreous, the higher the chances of causing complications.
I need to use my experience and best judgement to operate safely. I want you to have the best experience and with no complications.
Again, my goal is to reduce or remove your floaters and to do so safely. Complications can occur. Frill should it develop, should not be considered a failure or complication.
That’s my goal for you!