YAG Laser Vitreolysis For Eye Floaters

YAG Laser Vitreolysis For Eye Floaters

YAG Laser Vitreolysis for Eye Floaters | Eye Floaters Laser Treatment

 

 

What is YAG laser vitreolysis?

Eye floaters look like small dots, lines, thread-like strands, clouds or cobwebs in the field of vision. They may seem to be in front of the eye, but they are actually clumps of vitreous gel inside the eye. What happens is that when the light enters the eye, it passes through the vitreous and these clumps of vitreous gel cast shadows in the retina, which is then perceived as eye floaters.


What are eye floaters?

Eye floaters look like small dots, lines, thread-like strands, clouds or cobwebs in the field of vision. They may seem to be in front of the eye, but they are actually clumps of vitreous gel inside the eye. What happens is that when the light enters into the eye, it passes through the vitreous and these clumps of vitreous gel cast shadows in the retina, which is then perceived as eye floaters.

 

 


Eye Floaters Treatment

 

Eye Floaters due to aging or posterior vitreous detachment from the back of the eye may not need any intervention. Some may require treatment such as laser treatment of floaters if it is caused by any other eye condition or if the floaters are causing a significant effect in the vision.

Eye Floaters due to white blood cells in the vitreous caused by an infection or inflammation can be treated with the appropriate antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications. Floaters due to bleeding that may be caused by trauma, a retinal tear or as a result of diabetic retinopathy usually resolves as the blood is absorbed, but further investigations and treatments should be done to ensure that the bleeding stops.

Pars Plana Vitrectomy for floaters or the surgical removal of the vitreous can also be done for some cases, but since it’s an invasive eye floaters treatment, it is not usually done on common types of floaters as there is a significant risk of bleeding, infection, retinal detachment and development of cataract. Another option is through YAG laser vitreolysis for eye floaters.

 

 

YAG Laser Vitreolysis for Eye Floaters

 

YAG Laser Vitreolysis uses a nano-pulsed YAG laser to vaporize the vitreous opacities. Vitreolysis may not be widely practiced but has been proven to be effective and safe by its pioneers back in the 80s. Following the clinical studies, vitreolysis was found to be effective with high patient satisfaction response. It is the best laser treatment for floaters

Laser treatments for floaters is less invasive and safer than vitrectomy, but the technical limitations in conventional YAG lasers pose a significant risk in damaging the eye tissues, making it a less popular treatment option.

One published study reported that 53% of its subjects who underwent laser vitreolysis reported significant improvement in symptoms compared to 9% in the placebo group. Photographs also showed significantly improved or resolved floaters in 94% of its subjects.

 

 

The Procedure of YAG Laser Vitreolysis

  1. Eye drops are instilled on the eye to dilate the pupil.

  2. Anesthetic eye drops are given to numb the eye.

  3. A special lens for treating floaters is placed on the eye.

  4. The laser is then carefully aimed by the physician on the floater or its attachment.


There are no restrictions after the treatment. Normal activities may be resumed after the procedure.

 

Who’s a good candidate for vitreolysis?

Patients with Weiss-ring type of floater are the ideal candidate for vitreolysis since these floaters are fibrous, which means they can absorb laser energy well and be vaporized more efficiently. They are also located away from the lens and retina. Other types of eye floaters may be treated as well but the impact on vision will depend on the type of these floaters. Laser treatment for floaters is one of the best options available now

 

Potential Risks and Side Effects of YAG Laser Vitreolysis

  1. Elevated eye pressure

  2. Traumatic cataract

  3. Swelling of the retinal nerve fiber layer

  4. Sub-retinal hemorrhage

  5. Damage to retinal nerve cells

  6. Residual floaters post-treatment

  7. Recurrence of floaters

  8. Retinal Detachment

 

 

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