I'm not sure what the exact number where the risks are higher. my doc was actually pretty surprised that I made it this far in life without having a detachment. I didn't have anything happen - I just looked up at the computer screen one day at work and I had all these floaters. I knew what they were :( and went in right away.
I guess I'm hearing alot on this message board in general about people not finding a doc willing to do FOV for them. I'm sure there are docs out there. My doc was very supportive and suggested the surgery several times before I was ready to accept the risks. I just think that many docs don't think that the risks are acceptable when they may not be able to see the floaters, or that they are not as bad in comparison to others they have seen. I'm sure this is not going to be a popular opinion here! We see the floaters - we think it's horrible. It's hard to drive, hard to work, hard to read, to live a normal life. (Not to mention swatting at bugs flying around that aren't there :)
Is it an acceptable risk to a doc that could be sued for something going wrong? maybe it really depends on the laws of the state/country for malpractice?