What to Expect after Laser Floater Removal Surgery

Floaters in your field of vision are common and are something that many of us experience. For the most part, they don’t affect everyday life and often don’t need treatment. However, overly large or multiple ones can be a huge distraction, hence the need—in some cases—to have them removed.

The following looks at the floater removal procedure and what to expect after it’s been carried out.

A Quick Overview of Floaters

• What are floaters?
• How are floaters removed?

What are floaters?

Floaters are small, often translucent, shapes that are in your field of vision. They move as you alter your gaze and change focus, hence their name. They’re usually harmless and caused by cells within the vitreous jelly in the eye clumping together. They can be removed if you find they impact your everyday life.

How are floaters removed?

The easiest, safest, and most advanced way to remove floaters is by a process known as YAG laser vitreolysis. This uses pulses of light to break down and dissolve the clumps. The procedure is carried out over several sessions and is around 90% effective. 

Everything you Need to Know about Laser Floater Removal: effects and recovery

• Laser floater removal: effects
• Laser floater removal: recovery

Laser floater removal: effects

The greatest effect of laser floater removal is that the shapes in your visual field are removed. While they may not disappear completely, most people achieve at least a significant reduction in the symptoms.

The treatment is usually carried out over 2-3 sessions, typically around 4 weeks apart. However, your ophthalmologist may be able to perform these closer together. You’ll be advised as to the optimal time frame when you attend your initial assessment.

One after-effect that can sometimes be alarming is the appearance of more floaters post-treatment. However, this is perfectly normal. They will gradually decrease over the following few weeks. This happens because the vaporized floaters have formed gas bubbles that are naturally absorbed over time into gel within the eye.

Laser floater removal: recovery

Following a laser floater removal session you may have a little eye redness and discomfort. This is because your eyes will be numbed with drops for the procedure to be carried out, so as it wears off you might feel some mild pain. This can easily be addressed with over-the-counter pain relief. Your surgeon might also provide you with some eyedrops to use for a few days.

Even if you do experience any side effects, they’re usually very minor. This means that you don’t need to plan any downtime—you can even fit in a session during your lunch hour! On average, it takes anything from 20-60 minutes per procedure, which includes allowing time for the anesthetic eye drops to take effect

Complications of YAG laser vitreolysis are rare and it’s suitable for most people. However, as with all medical procedures, there are potential risks. Even though these are minimal, it’s important that your specialist eye surgeon discusses these with you before any treatment is commenced. They should highlight the increased risk for glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal detachment. Having this information allows you to make an informed decision as to whether laser floater removal is something that you feel is right for you.

Want the Ultimate Laser Floater Removal Effects: Call the WBEC Today 

At the West Boca Eye Center, we use the most advanced laser procedures to remove floaters from your field of vision. Our highly experienced team is led by globally-renowned ophthalmologist, Brent Bellotte MD., which is the reason so many people travel to our academic-grade clinic to get the best treatment.

Discover more about the procedure at https://westbocaeyecenter.com/services/laser-floater-removal/ and call today to book a no-obligation appointment.