Question 1

Who would benefit from Vitreolysis, laser floater removal?"

Accepted Answer

While some floaters can be effectively treated with vitreolysis laser, several floater types are difficult to treat and/or less likely to regress than others. To that end, it is necessary to first undergo an ophthalmic examination in order to determine your eligibility for laser floater removal treatment.
 
Generally-speaking, if you suffer from persistent moving shadows in your vision you are a good candidate for laser floater removal. A number of factors, such as age, onset of symptoms and floater characteristics, will also determine whether laser floater removal is your best treatment option.

Question 2

How does Vitreolysis work?

Accepted Answer

Laser floater removal involves the application of nanosecond pulses of low-energy laser light to evaporate the vitreous opacities and to sever the vitreous strands. During this process, the laser energy evaporates the collagen and hyaluronin molecules to form a gas. The end result is that the floater is removed and/or reduced to a size that no longer impedes vision.

Question 3

What happens during the procedure?

Accepted Answer

Laser floater removal is performed as an in office procedure at our central Richmond Hill site; you do not have to stay overnight in a hospital. Immediately prior to treatment, your ophthalmologist will administer eye drops to prepare the eye and to provide mild anesthesia. A contact lens will then be placed on your eye, with the laser light delivered through a specially designed microscope.
 
During treatment, you will likely observe small, dark specks/shadows signalling that the floaters are being evaporated into small gas bubbles. These gas bubbles quickly dissolve and reabsorb into the vitreous humor.
 
Once the treatment is complete, your are able to immediately resume normal activities with no down time.

Question 4

What are the complications & side effects?

Accepted Answer

Laser Vitreolysis is a very safe procedure. Reported side effects and complications associated with laser floater removal are rare. Side effects may include cataract and intraocular pressure (IOP) spike.

Question 5

What if Vitreolysis doesnt work for me?

Accepted Answer

Clinical studies have shown vitreolysis to be a safe, effective treatment in the majority of patients. If floaters persist, however, your ophthalmologist may recommend surgery.

You've Got Questions, We've Got Answers

Cataracts FAQs

What are the symptoms of a cataract?

Who is at risk of cataracts?

Is cataract surgery effective?

What if my medical history or current medication prevents me from considering cataract surgery?

What are the risks of cataract surgery?

What happens before surgery?

How soon after surgery will I be able to see?

Floaters FAQs

Who would benefit from Vitreolysis, laser floater removal?"

How does Vitreolysis work?

What happens during the procedure?

What are the complications & side effects?

What if Vitreolysis doesnt work for me?

You've Got Questions, We've Got Answers

Cataracts FAQs

What are the symptoms of a cataract?

Who is at risk of cataracts?

Is cataract surgery effective?

What if my medical history or current medication prevents me from considering cataract surgery?

What are the risks of cataract surgery?

What happens before surgery?

How soon after surgery will I be able to see?

Floaters FAQs

Who would benefit from Vitreolysis, laser floater removal?"

How does Vitreolysis work?

What happens during the procedure?

What are the complications &amp; side effects?

What if Vitreolysis doesnt work for me?

What are the complications & side effects?