Can Laser Eye Surgery Cure Floaters?

Floaters can be annoying. They are characterised by tiny specks or lines that move around in your field of vision. While they are not exactly harmful, they can be distracting and sometimes even a bit unsettling.

In some cases, floaters can be a sign of an underlying issue that needs medical intervention.

This article delves into laser eye surgery for floaters, including its procedure, considerations, and it’s effectiveness in curing floaters.

What is Laser Eye Surgery?

Laser eye surgery is a common and highly effective procedure for addressing various eye problems, including floaters. How it works is that it uses a laser to reshape the cornea. The procedure helps light focus properly onto the retina at the back of your eye, significantly improving vision.

There are different types of laser eye surgeries that can be performed. Each of them has a slightly different approach from the other, but they are all aimed at improving vision and eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses.

Laser surgery for eye floaters is a little different from all the other common laser treatments for addressing other issues like nearsightedness or farsightedness. The primary method used for treating floaters with laser is called laser vitreolysis.

Laser Vitreolysis Explained

Laser Vitreolysis is a noninvasive procedure performed to reduce or eliminate eye problems caused by floaters. During the procedure, a specialised laser (commonly a YAG laser) is used to apply brief pulses of energy to the floaters.

This laser energy vaporises the floaters within the vitreous into smaller, less noticeable particles that are less likely to interfere with vision.

Effectiveness and Considerations

Laser vitreolysis is the most effective treatment for certain types of floaters such as;

Weiss ring floaters ‐ These are large, ring-shaped floaters that tend to occur after posterior vitreous detachment. They are more visible and centrally located in the visual field.

Symptomatic floaters ‐ These are noticeable enough to highly impair vision. They are usually located away from the retina, making them easily accessible for laser treatment.

The effectiveness of laser vitreolysis can vary from person to person. Some patients experience significant improvement in their symptoms, while others may notice only a minor reduction in floater visibility.

Some factors that may influence the effectiveness of the treatment include;

The type and size of floaters ‐ Larger, well-defined floaters are easier to treat than smaller, diffuse floaters. This is because the laser can more easily target and break down larger, floaters.

The location of the floaters ‐ Floaters located away from the retina and the lens of the eye are easier and safer to treat. If floaters are too close to the retina, there is a higher risk of retinal damage during the procedure. This can limit the extent to which the laser is used. Similarly, treating floaters close to the lens poses a risk of cataract formation.

Skills and experience of the surgeon ‐ More experienced surgeons are more likely to achieve optimal results. This is because they can better assess which floaters can be effectively treated and execute the procedure with precision.

The number of treatment sessions ‐ Sometimes, multiple treatment sessions may be required to achieve the desirable results.

Patient’s overall eye health ‐ If the patient has other eye conditions, such as retinal issues or optic nerve problems, it can complicate the procedure or affect the post-treatment recovery.

If you are considering this procedure, it is important to work with a skilled and experienced doctor, who cans thoroughly asses your floaters’ condition and overall eye health and help you decide if laser vitreolysis is a suitable option for your specific situation.