YAG vitreolysis is a laser procedure that aims to break up or shrink troublesome eye floaters in the vitreous gel so they become less noticeable.
Who might benefit from YAG vitreolysis
Most floaters are harmless and gradually become less distracting, but some people have large, well defined floaters that significantly interfere with reading or driving. In carefully selected cases, laser treatment can reduce their impact without full vitrectomy surgery.
- Best for isolated floaters away from the lens and retina
- Requires detailed examination and imaging to assess suitability
- May not remove all floaters completely
- Sometimes several sessions are needed for best effect
Procedure and safety
After numbing drops, you sit at a specialised laser device while the doctor focuses pulses on the floater. The aim is to fragment it so the shadows on the retina are less dense.
- Short term glare, blurring, or extra small floaters can occur
- Risk of damage to nearby structures is low but taken very seriously
- Not everyone is a candidate some eyes are better suited to observation or surgery
- Discuss worries and expectations carefully before deciding
