Laser Floater Treatment in Michigan
What is laser floater treatment?
YAG Laser Vitreolysis, also know as Laser floater treatment or “LFT” uses very small bursts of energy from a special laser to break up, displace, or vaporize floaters in the back of your eyes. The first case of LFT being used to treat floaters was published in 1993(1). Dr. Zelenak has been performing LFT for over 5 years and has seen great success with the procedure.
In the past, the only option for removing floaters was a procedure called a pars plana vitrectomy or PPV. During a vitrectomy, the physician uses a small instrument connected to a special machine with suction to physically remove the jelly-like substance in the back of the eye, called the vitreous. A surgical vitrectomy has significant risks and is only recommended for very dense, extremely debilitating floaters.
Now with the development of LFT, Dr. Zelenak is able to offer many of his patients in Michigan a safer, less invasive option for their bothersome floaters. Many Ophthalmologists and Optometrists continue to tell their patients that there is nothing that can be done to help with their floaters and that is no longer the case. The times have changed, however, and LFT is becoming more commonplace over the past few years. It is rewarding to be able to offer our patients LFT and see how much their quality of life improves after treating their floaters.
What causes eye floaters?
Floaters are small clumps of debris in the jelly-like substance in the back of your eye called the vitreous. This debris casts shadows onto the retina, which gives you the image of something floating around in your vision, like a dot, a fly or wavy line.
Is laser floater treatment a good option for me?
If you experience a new floater or flashing lights, the first step is a complete dilated eye exam. This is because eye floaters can also be associated with retinal tears or detachments, which can lead to permanent vision loss. After any retinal tears or other problems are ruled out, Dr. Zelenak can discuss your specific situation and whether LFT is a good option.
What happens during laser floater treatment?
LFT is a relatively quick, safe, and painless procedure performed right in the office. Just like for a regular eye exam, you are given dilating eye drops and a numbing drop. A special lens is gently placed on the front of your eye so Dr. Zelenak can see the floaters. After locating the floaters, Dr. Zelenak will start treating them with the laser, taking great care to safely treat the floater without damaging any other parts of the eye. Treatment typically takes less than 15 minutes. Once the treatment is complete, Dr. Zelenak will check your eyes to make sure everything is doing well and schedule a follow up exam. Often a single treatment session is enough but sometimes an additional session or two is necessary.
What are the complications of laser floater treatment?
Reported side effects and complications associated with LFT are very rare and may include elevated eye pressure, development of a cataract or very rarely a retinal detachment. Clinical studies and experience have shown LFT to be a safe, effective treatment in the majority of patients. If after our best attempts of treating with LFT your floaters still persist, your ophthalmologist may recommend a surgical vitrectomy depending on how much the floaters interfere with your daily life.
Make an appointment today!
If you suffer from annoying eye floaters and live in Wixom, Novi, Northville, Livonia, Walled Lake, Brighton or the surrounding Metro Detroit areas, schedule an appointment with Dr Zelenak to see what we can do to help you!
(1) Tsai WF, Chen YC, Su CY. Treatment of vitreous floaters with neodymium YAG laser. Br J Ophthalmol. 1993;77:485–488. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]c
