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What Causes Floaters In The Field Of Vision Post Cataract Surgery?

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Posted on Mon, 13 Feb 2017
Question: Thank you, I had cateracts removed from both my eyes nearly 15 months ago and lens replacement. I do not need glasses except for very small print. I do, have problems with night driving with street lights causing sight problems. However, this is not my prob today, I elected to have this type of eye surgery but today I have developed shadows, like smoke rising from my eye and a black line, makes work (I am doing office work) difficult. I rang my Opthalmologist's, Dr K Goh, room and was told to go to the local OPSM for an eye check and if anything 'sinister' was detected, they would refer me back to Dr Goh. I have an appointment with OPSM at 12noon, WA time, now 10am. Just wondered, could this be 'floaters", please?

Thank you.

XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Vireous detachment!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Have noted your details.
I understand your concern.

As per your query yes they can be floaters.Most of the eye’s interior is filled with vitreous, a gel-like substance that fills about 80 percent of the eye and helps it maintain a round shape. As we age, the vitreous slowly shrinks and pulls away from the retina’s surface. This is called a vitreous detachment, and is normal. In most cases, there are no adverse effects, except for a small increase in floaters, which are little “cobwebs” or specks that seem to float about in your field of vision.Vitreous detachment is one of the most common long term complication post cataract surgery.As you are seeing smoke like shadows and a black line thorough investigation should be done to rule out vitreous detachment.

Thanks!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ramesh Kumar

Ophthalmologist

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 238 Questions

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What Causes Floaters In The Field Of Vision Post Cataract Surgery?

Brief Answer: Vireous detachment! Detailed Answer: Hi, Have noted your details. I understand your concern. As per your query yes they can be floaters.Most of the eye’s interior is filled with vitreous, a gel-like substance that fills about 80 percent of the eye and helps it maintain a round shape. As we age, the vitreous slowly shrinks and pulls away from the retina’s surface. This is called a vitreous detachment, and is normal. In most cases, there are no adverse effects, except for a small increase in floaters, which are little “cobwebs” or specks that seem to float about in your field of vision.Vitreous detachment is one of the most common long term complication post cataract surgery.As you are seeing smoke like shadows and a black line thorough investigation should be done to rule out vitreous detachment. Thanks!