What are the Effective Treatments for Eye Floaters, and its Cost?

What’s the Real Cost of Treating Eye Floaters in India?

Did you know that 75% of people over the age of 65 experience eye floaters? Floaters appear as specks or shapes that drift across the field of vision and can be managed or cured with treatment based on the severity. The average cost of getting treatment for floaters is Rs. 80,000 for surgery. The final cost is highly variable. Read on to learn more about the types of treatment available for floaters and their costs.

Best Effective Treatments for Eye Floaters

Most eye floaters do not require treatment. They are primarily benign (harmless), and people learn to live with them. However, if there is an increase in the number or size of floaters that leads to a severe impact on vision, treatment becomes necessary.

Here are some of the best ways to treat eye floaters:

• Vitrectomy : It is an invasive surgery and involves the removal of the vitreous gel, which is sometimes responsible for eye floaters. The vitreous is then replaced with a gas bubble or a clear fluid until the eye naturally replenishes this space with aqueous fluid, but the original vitreous gel does not grow back.
• Vitreolysis : Vitreolysis is also known as floater laser treatment. It is a non-invasive procedure that uses a focused laser to vaporise and break apart floaters appearing in the field of vision.

Average Cost of Eye Floater Treatments

The cost of treatment for eye floaters varies depending on the severity of your condition and the number of sessions it takes to cure it (for laser vitreolysis). Other factors that contribute to the total cost of the treatment are location and the type of medical facility.

However, here is an overview of the average costs of eye floater treatment in India:

• The cost of vitrectomy surgery in India ranges between Rs. 60,000 and Rs. 100,000. The average cost of vitrectomy treatment for eye floaters is Rs. 80,000.
• For a laser vitreolysis treatment, the average cost of treatment per session is between Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 30,000.

Risks and Complications of Floater Treatment

Here is a list of some possible risks and complications of getting treatment for eye floaters:

• There are risks of undergoing vitrectomy, as the surgery requires creating holes in the eye. It increases the chances of getting an infection.
• Vitrectomy also increases cataract formation due to an increased concentration of oxygen in the vitreous cavity after the vitreous gel removal.
• Vitreolysis can cause retinal injury, cataract formation and an elevation of intraocular pressure.

Are Floaters a Serious Condition?

Floaters are generally harmless. However, if it contributes to a significant amount of vision loss and causes retinal detachment, retinal tear or uveitis, then that requires prompt treatment.

Additionally, a sudden shower of floaters, especially when accompanied by flashes of light, can be a symptom of a retinal tear or detachment, which is a medical emergency. They are serious health concerns and can disrupt daily life. Hence, treatment is necessary during such instances.

Tips for Reducing the Risk of Eye Floaters Condition

Eye floaters cannot be prevented altogether and are a part of ageing. It mostly affects individuals between the ages of 50 and 70 years. However, there are several ways to reduce the risk of getting them:

• Follow a well-balanced diet that is rich in essential vitamins and nutrients that support eye health.
• Exercise regularly to reduce the risk of getting chronic diseases that affect eye health.
• Do not touch your eyes without washing your hands, as that can lead to an infection.
• Avoid digital screen time exposure to prevent eye strain.
• Wear UV-blocking glasses and avoid looking directly at the sun.

The health of our eyes should not be neglected. Sometimes, getting prompt treatment can prevent any condition from progressing further. Hence, it is recommended to visit a doctor when noticing eye floater symptoms for a prolonged period.