Is it possible that either LipiFlow or IPL caused my eye floaters?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am 24 years old. I have a dry eye. I went to a dry eye center, and they did LipiFlow and one session of IPL laser. Ever since my eyes have felt less dry, but I have been seeing many floaters. I checked with an ophthalmologist, and he said my eye looks healthy. However, he was able to see my floaters and said I do not qualify for laser due to my age. Is it possible for these Lipiflow or IPL to cause my floaters? I did not notice them before to this extent. I do have myopia -3.5 D, and my prescription has worsened a bit this past year (-0.25 D). Could this be the reason for my floaters? Can I use ortho-k lenses or any other myopia management to stop my prescription from changing in the future? Currently, I am taking Taurine 1 g, Hydrogel, and Omega-3 fatty acid supplements. Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

There is a jelly-like substance in the eye called vitreous, and as age progresses, it starts to liquefy, or if it gets detached, you start seeing floaters. It is common in people with myopia. It is not due to IPL laser (intense pulsed light). You should go to an ophthalmologist immediately if there is an increase in the number of these floaters or if you see flashes of light. Because these are the signs of retinal detachment, please check your retina if you have the above symptoms. -0.25 D variation is normal, so no need to worry. Ortho-k is not needed. Take care.