YAG Laser Vitreolysis:4

  • This is a minimally invasive laser based procedure to alleviate symptomatic floaters. The technique involves delivering laser pulses to fragment and vaporize vitreous opacities with a goal of reducing their visibility and impact on daily function.
  • Contraindications:
    • Numerous floaters can make this procedure unfavorable due to difficulty effectively treating all floaters.
    • Floaters caused by recent inflammation or hemorrhage
    • Floaters significantly off of visual axis
    • Uncompensated glaucoma or ocular hypertension
    • Corneal scars limit the lasers ability to accurately focus on the floaters
  • Risks:
    • Cataract formation or retinal damage from laser
      • Minimize risk by ensuring the laser is focused a safe distance from either structure.
    • Retinal tear or detachment
    • Elevated IOP
    • Due to the nature of the procedure, the patient may notice many tiny floaters in place of their previous large floater after the procedure is complete.