Q: I am 26 years engineer working in Delhi. I am wearing spectacles since the last 16 years and my power is -6.00 in both eyes. This power is stable since the last 7 years. Few days back when I went to an ophthalmic surgeon for a routine checkup he found that my power in left eye is reduced marginally, however he told me that pigmentation (at 6 degree in left eye) has occurred and this needs to be checked in every 6 months. He advised me to go for laser correction as and when holes develop. As at present there are none. Should I go for it now or wait for situation to arise? Also what are the complications involved and where it can be done?

A:Pigmentation in retina as mentioned at 6'o clock meridian in your left eye is an area of abnormal vitreous attachment. It is not an uncommon condition. The only thing to watch out for is that when posterior vitreous separation from retina occurs (which normally occurs with aging or earlier in myopes) a retinal tear may form at this point, which may lead to a retinal detachment. This is not a rule. It is a possibility and especially more in those people who have had a retinal detachment in the other eye, or have a strong family history of retinal detachment. In your case these are few questions which need to be answered before deciding whether laser around the pigmentation should be done at this stage or it can be safely observed. 1. Any family history of retinal detachment 2. Symptoms of flashes of light in this eye which indicates traction on retina by vitreous. Laser treatment is a safe procedure and can be done at any well equipped eye clinic by a vitreo-retinal specialist.