Le miodesopsie o "mosche volanti" si possono curare?

Summary

The video addresses a common question from patients regarding 'floaters' or small, floating spots in their vision. These are caused by natural changes in the eye's vitreous gel as people age, usually starting around age 40. While often harmless and eventually ignored by the brain, severe cases can impair vision and may require treatment. Options include laser therapy (vitreolysis), which breaks up the floaters, or vitrectomy, a more invasive surgery to replace the vitreous gel. Both procedures carry risks, and treatment is typically only recommended for serious cases.

Takeaways

• 👁️ Eye floaters, or 'mosche volanti', are a common and normal visual condition, especially as people age.
• 🧑‍🦳 These floaters are caused by the clumping of collagen particles in the vitreous gel inside the eye, which becomes less transparent over time.
• ⌛ Floaters tend to appear more often after the age of 40, as the gel inside the eye begins to dehydrate and lose its structure.
• 🔍 Floaters are more noticeable against bright backgrounds, such as a white wall, a blue sky, or a brightly lit computer screen.
• 🧠 While the brain may naturally adapt and reduce the perception of floaters over time, some may remain bothersome.
• 💉 Treatment is possible but often unnecessary unless the floaters significantly impair vision or quality of life.
• 🔬 A laser procedure called vitreolysis can help reduce the size of floaters by breaking them down into smaller pieces, making them less noticeable.
• 🏥 In more severe cases, a surgical procedure called vitrectomy can be performed, replacing the cloudy vitreous gel with a clear liquid.
• ⚠️ Vitrectomy is considered a major surgery and should be reserved for cases where floaters cause significant visual impairment.
• 👨‍⚕️ It is essential to consult an ophthalmologist to determine whether treatment is necessary and which option is most appropriate.

Q & A

What are 'floaters' (miodesopsie) in the context of vision?

Floaters are small, moving spots or 'flying flies' that appear in the visual field due to small opacities inside the eye's vitreous humor. These are generally normal and related to aging.

Why do floaters occur more frequently after a certain age?

As we age, typically around 40, the collagen particles in the vitreous humor begin to aggregate. The vitreous humor, which is a gel-like substance, becomes less hydrated, leading to the formation of floaters.

Are floaters a cause for concern?

In most cases, floaters are not a cause for concern and are a normal part of the aging process. They often do not significantly affect vision and may be reabsorbed by the body's natural processes or ignored by the brain.

Why do floaters become more noticeable in certain situations?

Floaters are more visible when looking at bright backgrounds, such as a white wall, the sky, or a well-lit computer screen. This is due to the increased contrast between the light background and the small opacities in the eye.

Is there a treatment for floaters?

Yes, there are treatments, but they are generally reserved for more severe cases where floaters significantly impair vision. Options include laser therapy or a surgical procedure called vitrectomy.

What is laser treatment for floaters, and how does it work?

Laser treatment, called vitreolysis, involves using a laser to break up the floaters into smaller pieces, which can either be reabsorbed by the eye or become less noticeable.

What is a vitrectomy, and when is it performed?

A vitrectomy is a surgical procedure where the vitreous gel containing floaters is removed and replaced with a clear liquid. It is generally reserved for severe cases where floaters significantly impair vision.

Are the procedures to remove floaters risky?

Yes, both laser treatment and vitrectomy carry risks, particularly the vitrectomy, which is considered major eye surgery. These treatments are usually only performed in cases where floaters seriously affect a patient's quality of life.

Can floaters disappear on their own without treatment?

In some cases, floaters can become less noticeable as the brain adapts and learns to ignore them. The eye may also naturally reabsorb some of the floaters over time.

When should a person with floaters see an eye doctor?

It is advisable to see an eye doctor if floaters are significantly affecting vision or causing discomfort. A thorough eye exam can help determine whether treatment is necessary and what options are best for the patient.