Why Do I Have Floaters After Laser Eye Surgery?

After undergoing laser eye surgery, some people notice small shapes floating in their vision. They appear to look like dots, lines, or cobwebs that drift around when you move your eyes and seem to disappear when you try to look at them. They are called floaters.

Floaters can be caused by a couple of things including age, eye injuries, and inflammation. They can also appear after a previous surgery as a side effect or a sign that something is wrong and needs to be immediately addressed.

What is Laser Eye Surgery?

Laser eye surgery is a medical procedure designed to address various eye issues including near-sightedness and far-sightedness. It can also be used to reduce or eliminate floaters.

There are different types of laser eye surgery, each of which can be recommended depending on the eye issue at hand. Laser vitreolysis is a specific type of laser treatment that can be used to treat floaters.

It is a non-invasive procedure that uses laser to reduce the appearance of floaters. During laser vitreolysis, a highly focused laser beam is aimed at the floaters in the vitreous, the gel-like substance in the eye.

This light turns to heat which vaporises the floaters, turning them into gas, or breaking them into smaller pieces that are less noticeable.

This treatment is only the most effective for certain types of floaters, such as Weiss rings. These are large, singular, and fibrous floaters, which originate from a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). Its effectiveness largely depends on the size, type, and position of the floaters.

What Causes Floaters After Laser Eye Surgery?

It is not uncommon for patients to still notice some floaters in their eyes even after laser eye surgery. these floaters can be caused by various factors related to the procedure itself. Some of these factors may be;

Inflammation – Laser eye surgery can cause temporary inflammation inside the eye as the eye heals. This inflammation can lead to the formation of floaters.

Changes in the vitreous – While the laser procedure is primarily focused on the cornea, it can sometimes lead to subtle shifts or disturbances in the vitreous. These changes can make existing floaters more noticeable or lead to the formation of new ones.

Post-surgical healing – As the eye goes through the healing process, there may be an increase in debris or condensation within the vitreous. This debris can cast shadows on the retina that are perceived as floaters.

Stress on the eye – The procedure might stress the vitreous or retina indirectly, especially if the eye is subjected to various instruments and changes in pressure during surgery.

Treating and Managing Floaters after Laser Eye Surgery

Floaters are generally harmless, especially if they are just a few and not constant. If you notice that you still have them after a laser eye treatment, here are some things you can do;

Observation – The first step is simply to observe the floaters over time. Many floaters become less noticeable or less bothersome as you get used to them.

Or they may settle at the bottom of the eye, becoming less visible. Unless they increase in number and are persistent, be patient and give it time. You can also consult your doctor about this if you are doubtful.

Laser vitreolysis – If the floaters are persistent or start to affect your vision, laser vitreolysis can be considered. This treatment involves using a laser to break up floaters to reduce their size and effects.

Make sure you have a thorough examination to ensure that this treatment is appropriate for your specific type of floaters.