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What is Laser Floater Removal?
Laser floater removal, or vitreolysis, is a procedure intended to remove vitreous floaters from the eye. Floaters do not represent a health concern, they are simply clumps of protein within the vitreous gel in the center of the eye which cast shadows, causing the perception of a small cloud within your field of view. Vitreolysis uses nanosecond pulses of laser light to essentially evaporate or vaporize these protein deposits and restore clear, unaffected vision.
Who is a Candidate for Laser Floater Removal?
Most patients who have floaters within their field of vision are good candidates for laser floater removal. Patients above age 40, those who are near-sighted, and those who have had a previous eye surgery are more likely to experience floaters. Generally, ophthalmologists do not recommend laser floater removal unless patients have floaters that persist for 3-6 months, as they typically resolve on their own before this time. An eye exam is also performed prior to the procedure to ensure your eyes are healthy enough to complete the treatment.
What is the Laser Floater Removal Procedure Like?
Laser floater removal is an outpatient procedure that can be performed at Boston Vision. First, you will receive numbing eyedrops so you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. The laser can then be directed at the floaters. Through this process, you will likely see spots or shadows as the floater is destroyed. The treatment can typically be completed within 20 minutes.
Recovery After Laser Floater Removal
After laser floater removal, you may experience some discomfort or redness which should resolve quickly. Some patients also experience temporarily blurred vision. Finally, small spots may be visible in the eye for a short time following the procedure. These are the vaporized floaters that temporarily remain in the eye as small gas bubbles.
Schedule an Appointment
To see if you are a candidate for laser floater removal, schedule an appointment at Boston Vision. To schedule your appointment, book an appointment online or give us a call at 617-202-2020.
Laser Floater Removal is available at all our locations: Brookline, Milford, Medford, Lawrence, Wellesley, and Andover.
