Vitrectomy and FOV |Treatment for Floaters

Vitrectomy is the medical term, whereas FOV (Floater Only Vitrectomy) is the “layman’s term” for the operation to remove the vitreous.

Vitrectomy and FOV are exactly the same operation.

Vitrectomy For Floaters

This is also called FOV – Floater Only Vitrectomy.  This term refers to a vitrectomy in patients complaining ONLY of floaters.

I often get many questions about the difference between the two eye operations – but again, the operations are the same, but the indications for surgery are different.

Vitrectomy surgery can be used for:

• blood in the eye
• diabetic retinopathy
• repair macular holes
• remove epiretinal membranes
• retinal detachments
• floaters (vitreous opacities)

25 Gauge Vitrectomy is Still Best

At this writing, 25 gauge vitrectomy is the best choice for any vitrectomy – especially for patients wanting their floaters removed.

The thinness of the instruments are “self-sealing” and do not require sutures to close.  As a result, operating time can be dramatically reduced and healing is much faster.  There are fewer office visits as healing can be so quick.

The smaller holes at the tip of the vitrectomy instrument are also smaller.  This reduces the chances of inadvertent retinal tears caused during the operation.

27 Gauge Vitrectomy is Available

Technically, the 27 gauge system is available.  As of the beginning of this year, however, 27 gauge systems were not available for shipping (we can purchase, but not receive).

Regardless, I was able to try the 27 gauge system several weeks ago and I did not find a significant difference – better or worse – compared to my gold standard, the 25 gauge (Constellation Vision System).  I usually like to wait a while after the majority of my colleagues (other retina surgeons) have tried the new system before making up my mind….always worried about ancillary issues, too, such as glitches in software.

25 Gauge Vitrectomy to Remove Floaters

So, whether you call it “FOV” or “vitrectomy,” what you are interested in researching is 25 gauge vitrectomy to remove your floaters.

All the Best!

Randy

Randall V. Wong, M.D.
Retina Specialist
Fairfax, Virginia 22030