Laser Vitreolysis

About Laser Floater Removal

Also known as floater laser treatment or laser vitreolysis, Laser Floater Removal is a minimally invasive procedure that can eliminate the visual disturbance caused by floaters. It is performed in your ophthalmologist’s office and typically takes 45-60 minutes per visit. On average, patients will require two treatment sessions to achieve a satisfactory result.

The goal of Laser Floater Removal is to achieve a “functional improvement”. That is, to allow you to return to “normal” day-to-day activities without the hindrance of floaters.

How does Laser Floater Removal work?

Laser Floater Removal involves the application of nanosecond pulses of low-energy laser light to evaporate the bothersome vitreous opacities and to sever the vitreous strands. During this process, the laser energy evaporates the collagen and hyaluronin molecules to form a gas. The end result is that the floater is removed and/or reduced to a size that no longer impedes vision.

What happens during the procedure?

Laser Floater Removal is performed as an outpatient office procedure. Immediately prior to treatment, your ophthalmologist will administer eye drops to dilate the pupil, prepare the eye and to provide mild anesthesia. A contact lens will then be placed on your eye, with the laser light delivered through a specially designed microscope.

During treatment, you will likely observe small, dark specks/shadows – signaling that the floaters are being evaporated into small gas bubbles. These gas bubbles quickly dissolve and reabsorb into the vitreous gel inside the eye.

Once the treatment is complete, your ophthalmologist may treat your eyes with anti-inflammatory drops. It is important to note that some patients will need to undergo two treatment sessions, sometimes three, in order to achieve a satisfactory result. As there is no inflammation post-treatment, these sessions can be performed on without lengthy intervals.

What can I expect after treatment?

You may observe small, dark specks in your lower field of vision immediately following treatment, but these small gas bubbles will quickly dissolve and will not impede vision.

It is also important to note that some patients may experience mild discomfort, redness or temporarily blurred vision directly following treatment.

Complications and side effects

Reported side effects and complications associated with laser floater removal are rare. Side effects may include cataract and intraocular pressure (IOP) spike.

Who will benefit from Laser Floater Removal?

While some floaters can be effectively treated, several floater types are difficult to treat and/or less likely to regress than others. To that end, it is necessary to first undergo an ophthalmic examination in order to determine your eligibility for safe laser floater removal treatment.

Generally-speaking, if you suffer from persistent moving shadows in your vision due to vitreal condensations, fibers, strands, and/or clouds, you are a good candidate for laser floater removal. A number of factors, such as age, onset of symptoms and floater characteristics, will also determine whether laser floater removal is your best treatment option.

Onset of Symptoms:

If your floater symptoms came on very quickly then they may be associated with a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), the characteristics of which can be effectively treated with laser floater removal.

Floater Characteristics:

Large floaters with a soft border, situated away from the retina, are ideally suited to treatment with laser floater removal.