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Medical Forum / General / Vision / February 2007Laser for floaters?
So what do you guys think? <http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/30/AR2007013000119.html> Username mobb@deep.com Password mobbdeep  SignatureCheers, 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. > So what do you guys think? > > <http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/30/AR2007013000119.html> > > Username mobb@deep.com > Password mobbdeep > 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. 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 > > 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. [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > less serious ones and screw up, then there ARE issues. > LB I'll have to ask my doc, next visit. I'm (very slowly, and perhaps unsurely) recovering from a retinal detachment last May. With no lens (early cataract, would be exacerbated by oil fill, plus pars plana approach), hypotension in that eye, and a wait-and-watch approach to an implant lens, I have one decently working eye. And that one has had an annoying floater for many months, that mostly hangs right where it most obscures the computer screen. I can flick it out of the way, but it usually drifts back, all too soon... Dave > So what do you guys think? > [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > had to worry about where the next meal would come from." > -- Peter S. Drucker, who invented management 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. On 1/30/07 9:50 PM, in article 1170222610.346692.167180@l53g2000cwa.googlegroups.com, "p.clarkii@gmail.com" >> So what do you guys think? >> [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > 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. 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 > On 1/30/07 9:50 PM, in article > 1170222610.346692.167180@l53g2000cwa.googlegroups.com, "p.clarkii@gmail.com" [quoted text clipped - 32 lines] > 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. |
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