Laser for floaters?

So what do you guys think?

<http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/30/AR2007013000119.html>

Username
Password mobbdeep

--
Cheers, Bev
=================================================================
"In all recorded history there has not been one economist who has
had to worry about where the next meal would come from."
-- Peter S. Drucker, who invented management

 

If it worked that well, I think most retinologists would jump at the
idea of doing it. It would be a real money maker, for sure.

 

I've heard of the procedure which is done by only a couple of MD's. I
would be worried about complications (macular edema, etc) since I
believe the laser is a YAG and usually the most visually troublesome
floaters are posterior in the eye near the retina.

but who knows-- maybe time will show that its really safe this line of
thinking is being too paranoid.

 

This is a very simple procedure. Most everyone has a YAG laser just sitting
there in their office for treating posterior capsule opacification. Just the
fact that only 2 MD's do it (or at least advertise it) should tell you that
it is certainly not a widely accepted procedure. Otherwise, everyone would
do it to make a buck and try to keep patients happy.

You should read the website of Dr. Karikoff (sp?), the one who claims to
have "invented" this procedure, which was then taken up by the other person.
It is one of the most overblown and egotistic pieces of writing I have ever
seen. I chuckle when I read it. I knew John Karikoff when I was a Georgetown
University eye resident back in the early 80's.

 

Many procedures work well and are not routinely done, just as some that
are not so successful are done too often. And, of course, profit it the
most likely motivator.

The risk factors often cited, retina pathology and increased vitreous
opacities and strands are the deal killers for many docs. I don't think
there is a large enough test group to validate either of those issues
but from what I've read they may indeed be a non-issues.

Personally, I think that if someone's vision or lifestyle is compromised
by floaters, laser (as opposed to vitrectomy) should be a discussed
option. Risk/benefit thing. I just don't think there are that many
people who fit into that category to make it $$$$$. And if we did the
less serious ones and screw up, then there ARE issues.

Perhaps when the LASIK market dries up, LAFF (laser assisted floater
fixer) will be the next big thing.

LB

 

I recall discussing this with Dr. Geller at least 15 years ago -- I
was considering writing it up for Ocular Surgery News -- I was then
writing the Technology Update column. For whatever reason, perhaps
because no one else was doing it, I never did write up my conversation
with Dr. Geller.

As Dr. Robins said, for most people, they learn to live with floaters.
And, for those that cannot, perhaps they might go see either Geller or
the other guy.

Irv Arons