Treatment Options

1. What are the treatment options for floaters?
There are three main treatments:

• Observation (monitoring only without intervention)

• YAG laser vitreolysis (non-surgical laser fragmentation)

• Pars plana vitrectomy (surgical removal of the vitreous and floaters)

2. What is a vitrectomy?
Vitrectomy is a surgical procedure where the vitreous gel—and the floaters within it—is removed and replaced with a saline solution. The eye’s own aqueous humor will fill the posterior segment and replacement the saline in about 30 days. Vitrectomy is performed with micro-incisional surgical techniques.

3. Is vitrectomy safe?
Modern vitrectomy has a high safety profile when performed by experienced surgeons. Like all intraocular surgery (for example, cataract surgery), vitrectomy carries similar risks. Complications with vitrectomy are rare with proper technique and experience.

4. How effective is vitrectomy at removing floaters?
Vitrectomy is currently the only procedure where it is possible to completely and permanently removes floaters. However, there are different ways of performing vitrectomy: some surgeons will only perform a “partial” or “incomplete” vitrectomy. However, the retinal surgeons of Floater Surgeon believe that only a complete vitrectomy (that is removing the entire vitreous gel after cataract surgery has been performed ahead of time) is not only the most thorough way to eliminate floaters, but is also the safest way. Leftover vitreous humor may increase the risk of post-operative retinal detachment.

5. What are the risks of vitrectomy surgery?
Possible risks include:

• Retinal detachment (~1–2%)

• Cataract progression

• Infection (very rare)

• Residual blood within the eye immediately after surgery (usually resolves)

6. Is vitrectomy recommended for everyone with floaters?
It's best for people with chronic, symptomatic floaters that interfere with their quality of vision and life.