Vitreous Syneresis following Lasik

The images seen below are computer enhanced cross sectional views of the right and left retinas of a 23 year old post LASIK patient. The thick green-yellow “sponge-like” structures are the layers of the retina. The semi-clear space above the retina is the vitreous which makes up the bulk of the interior of the eye. The young man had LASIK surgery done when he was 18 years old. One of his main complaints is floaters. When he looks at his computer or in a brightly lit environment he is acutely aware of them. Look carefully at the numerous dark pinpoint spots above the retina. These are the floaters that are casting a shadow on his retinas. He is seeing the shadows and not the black spots. The shadows that he is seeing are much larger than the actual pin point dots. He was referred to a retina specialist for a consultation. A diagnosis of “Vitreous Syneresis” was made. The vitreous has a gel like consistency. Vitreous Syneresis is characterized by a degeneration of the vitreous with a loss of gel consistency. The retinal specialist who saw this patient and I both feel that this condition is directly attributable to the LASIK surgery. We fit this patient with scleral lenses in order to enhance this young man’s vision and to treat his post-LASIK dry eyes. It is possible that at some future date, a vitrectomy (removal of the vitreous and replacement with saline solution) will need to be done.