A DEBATE ON EYE FLOATERS
This week, our university debate club decided on a slightly different topic.
Instead of the usual political issues that are often debated upon, we decided
to opt to debate about a medical condition: is surgery best for eye floaters
or should we not treat them at all?
The debate topic was actually made because of the little information on eye
floaters. Many of us had no idea what eye floaters so we all decided to do
some research and interviews to defend our sides. In the process, we were
able to practice our debate skills and actually get ample knowledge on eye
floaters. Let me tell you a little about how the information-gathering and
the debate went.
Based on our research, eye floaters are the tiny specks or spots we see on
our field of vision as we look over at plain light-colored backgrounds. These
shadowy shapes move about as we move our eyes and sometimes they disappear
or remain unnoticed once we move our eyes away from a blank wall. Eye floaters
are actually caused by posterior vitreous detachment --- when the gel-like
substance that covers our eyes pull away from the eyeball tissue, thus detaching
itself. Most experts say that having eye floaters can be part of the natural
aging process. People who are in their middle ages, those who suffer from
myopia or who have experienced cataract surgeries often have a higher risk
of acquiring floaters.
Some people with serious cases of eye floaters choose to have surgery. Doctors
would actually suck up the vitreous liquid out (thus, removing the floaters)
and replace it with a similar (saline) solution.
For those against surgery, they were also able to present different options
for cases of eye floaters. Some suggested eating foods rich in magnesium,
being indifferent to them and just living with the floaters, some in relieving
the anxiety of having floaters by practicing yoga, or waiting for the floaters
to just go away in time (as some studies and experiences tell).
As for our debate, the team who was against surgery won. This does not mean
that most experts would share the same opinion but the debate team was just
able to present their defense very well. Despite the differences in opinions
and arguments, the whole debate club and audience was one in deciding one
fact: if you have floaters, it is still best to consult with an eye doctor
promptly. It is better to be safe than sorry.