YAG Laser Vitreolysis for the Treatment of Floaters

Although notoriously bothersome, floaters typically resolve within weeks or months of appearing. In some cases, however, they persist for much longer.2 When floaters persist or are present at disabling levels; removal of the vitreous humor (vitrectomy) is considered a viable treatment option. However, it is a highly invasive procedure that carries a significant risk of complications, such as infection, retinal detachment, macular edema, anterior vitreous detachment and residual floaters.3 With this in mind, clinicians are often reluctant to offer patients a vitrectomy and instead advocate perseverance, safe in the knowledge that most patients grow used to the presence of floaters with time.3