Looking for a solution to your floaters?

Floaters are usually harmless, but in some cases, they can signal a serious problem. Floaters are frequently troublesome enough to seriously impact the quality of the vision. If you’re concerned about floaters, experienced ophthalmologist Omar Shakir, MD, MBA, can help at Coastal Eye. Dr. Shakir provides in-office treatment to remove floaters and can help guide your decision. 

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What are floaters?

Floaters refer to the black or grey dots, strings, specks, and other shadowy shapes that appear in your field of vision. They move around as you move your eyes, seem to rush away every time you try looking at them, and are more noticeable when you look at a blank bright surface like a white wall or clear blue sky.

Though floaters appear to be in front of your eyes, they’re actually inside your eye. They’re made up of microscopic bits of vitreous gel – the clear substance that fills the space between the lens and retina of your eyes. These pieces of vitreous gel consolidate and cast shadows on your retina.

What causes floaters?

Floaters are usually a normal part of aging. The vitreous gel in your eye has a jelly-like consistency. As you get older, the fibers in your vitreous shrink and become stringy, leading to floaters. The pieces of vitreous tend to coagulate and consolidate as well. Though rare, floaters are sometimes the result of a more serious eye condition, including:

  • Inflection
  • Inflammation
  • Retinal tears or detachment
  • Bleeding in the eye resulting from diabetes, high blood pressure, or injury
  • Complications of eye surgeries, including cataract surgery

Floaters are more likely to affect you if you’re 50 or older and nearsighted (myopic). 

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Why choose Coastal Eye Surgeons for floater removal?

Thankfully, you don’t have to live with floaters. If you’re having trouble seeing, Dr. Shakir is the only ophthalmologist in the country who performs IV-free in-office surgical floater removal. Surgical floater removal offers a permanent solution to your floaters.

At Coastal Eye, patients can have complex eye surgery in a super comfortable setting by the most skillful surgeon in the area. No other doctors can do cataract and retina surgery combined – they do one or the other, but not both.

Our office performs the most advanced eye surgeries with precision and ease while also allowing you to be seen with minimal waiting time. To schedule an appointment, call the office to speak with a team member or use the online booking tool. 

What is Vitrectomy?

Vitrectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove the vitreous gel from the eye. This procedure is commonly used to treat various eye conditions, including floaters. During vitrectomy, our skilled providers at Coastal Eye make tiny incisions in the eye and use specialized instruments to remove the vitreous gel and any accompanying floaters.

Advanced Techniques for Floaters Removal

Coastal Eye's providers employ advanced techniques to ensure successful floater removal. Our team utilizes state-of-the-art equipment and instruments, including microscopes and precision tools, to perform the procedure with utmost precision. This advanced approach minimizes risks and maximizes the chances of achieving clear vision.

Customized Treatment Plans

At Coastal Eye, we recognize that each patient is unique, and their treatment should be tailored to their specific needs. Our providers take the time to thoroughly evaluate each patient and create personalized treatment plans. This individualized approach ensures that the vitrectomy procedure addresses the specific characteristics and severity of the floaters.

Minimally Invasive Procedure

Vitrectomy for floater removal is a minimally invasive procedure performed on an outpatient basis. Coastal Eye's providers prioritize patient comfort and safety during the entire process. The small incisions made during the procedure minimize discomfort and promote faster recovery. Our team ensures that patients receive detailed pre- and post-operative instructions to facilitate a smooth and hassle-free experience.

The experience of removing floaters is pain-free, quick, and extremely effective. The procedure takes about 10 minutes and is most often covered by your insurance. Dr. Shakir is the only surgeon in the United States who is able to offer a permanent solution for floaters in the office without having to use IV anesthesia or deeper sedation.

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FAQ

Do my floaters need treatment?

When should I seek treatment for floaters?

Does insurance cover floater removal?

What can I expect after the floater removal procedure?

Do my floaters need treatment?

Most cases of floaters are harmless. Though you may find them annoying, most people get used to them. Even though they don’t go away, it’s common for floaters to move to the bottom of your eye, below your line of sight, so they’re not as noticeable. Sometimes, floaters become dense enough to interfere with your vision, a condition known as vitreous degeneration.

When should I seek treatment for floaters?

Seek treatment right away if there’s been a sudden increase in the number of floaters you’re experiencing. If your floaters also accompany pain, difficulty seeing, or flashes of light, they may be a sign of a serious problem, including a retinal detachment. Retinal detachment requires urgent treatment to prevent vision loss.

Does insurance cover floater removal?

Your insurance may be able to cover floater removal, so don’t avoid treatment if you are concerned about finances. The team at Coastal Eye works hard to get you coverage. In cases where there is no coverage, we are happy to help you finance your investment.

What can I expect after the floater removal procedure?

After the procedure, you will be provided with eye drops to use for a specified period to prevent any potential complications and aid in the healing process. You may experience mild discomfort and redness initially. Dr. Shakir will give you instructions regarding any activity restrictions or precautions to take during the recovery period.

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Experience lasting relief from floaters.

Dr. Shakir is a skilled ophthalmologist specializing in floater removal. His team of medical professionals is laser-focused, offering premium vision enhancement services in the greater Connecticut and New York areas. If you want to receive top-quality care from a team that will treat you like family, choose Coastal Eye for floater removal in Greenwich and New Canaan, CT.

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