Eye Floaters or Something More? When to Worry About Vitreomacular Traction
Vitreomacular traction (VMT) may sound like a feature of a brand-new car, but it's actually a condition that affects the eye. As we age, the vitreous—a gel-like substance in our eyes—shrinks and pulls away from the retina. This process is known as posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) and is very common among older adults. However, in some cases, the vitreous does not detach completely, causing it to continue pulling on the macula, which is the central part of the retina responsible for our central vision. This retinal pulling leads to VMT, which can result in vision loss if left untreated.
Eye Floaters and VMT: Symptoms to Look Out For
Eye floaters are a normal part of aging, but they can also indicate more serious retinal conditions, like VMT. It can be challenging to differentiate between normal and abnormal floaters, but symptoms of more serious floaters include:
- A sudden, noticeable increase in eye floaters
- Any loss of vision, shadows in your field of vision, or a curtain-like effect in your peripheral vision
- Eye floaters accompanied by flashes of light
Do Floaters Go Away?
Eye floaters caused by VMT can be annoying, but they may resolve on their own if the condition improves. However, if it doesn’t, or if the resulting traction causes significant damage, the floaters may persist or worsen.
Other Symptoms and Risk Factors of VMT
In addition to a significant increase of floaters and flashes, other symptoms of VMT may include:
- Blurry or distorted central vision
- Straight lines looking wavy or curved
- Seeing objects as smaller than their actual size
These symptoms can indicate other retina conditions, like age-related macular degeneration (AMD), so it’s important to consult with a retina specialist for an accurate diagnosis. You’re at a higher risk of developing VMT if you also have:
- Extreme nearsightedness
- Wet AMD
- Diabetic macular edema
- Retinal vein occlusion
- Diabetic retinopathy
If you’re an older adult or otherwise at risk of developing VMT, it’s crucial to see a retinal specialist for regular eye appointments.
Available Treatments for VMT
There are three treatment options associated with VMT, and a retina specialist will determine which one will work best for your unique situation.
Observation Approach
If you have mild VMT that doesn’t affect your vision, your doctor may not recommend any treatment. In some cases, VMT can resolve on its own, so your doctor may choose to monitor the condition with follow-up visits.
Surgery
In severe cases of VMT, a retina surgeon may perform a procedure called a vitrectomy. During this surgery, they use tiny instruments to remove the vitreous gel from the eye and then replace it with saline fluid. The surgeon also peels away any scar tissue on the macula using specialized instruments under a microscope. A vitrectomy helps relieve the traction that's damaging the macula.
Gas Injection
Intravitreal gas injection, also known as pneumatic vitreolysis (PVL), involves placing a gas bubble into the eye to relieve the traction on the macula. This procedure is less invasive than a vitrectomy.
Learn More About VMT From a Retina Specialist
The sooner you're evaluated and diagnosed with vitreomacular traction, the better your chances of successful treatment. If you want to learn more, The Retina Eye Center is the practice of choice in the Central Savannah River Area, serving patients in Aiken, South Carolina, and Augusta, Georgia. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.