Vitreolysis Laser Treatment of Floaters

Using advanced laser technology, vitreolysis targets and reduces floaters, helping restore clearer, more comfortable vision.

FDA Approved

Advanced Technology

At a Glance

Quick facts about Vitreolysis treatment for floaters to help you understand the basics:

Laser vitreolysis uses a focused YAG laser to break up certain eye floaters, which may reduce symptoms for some patients


Transparent pricing and full aftercare support; financing options discussed during consultation

At Centre for Sight, experienced specialists use advanced diagnostic imaging and comprehensive eye evaluations to precisely identify the cause of floaters and tailor the most appropriate treatment plan

London, Sussex, Surrey

Key Benefits

What is Vitreolysis?

Also known as floater laser treatment, vitreolysis is a non-invasive, pain-free procedure that can eliminate the visual disturbance caused by floaters. The goal of vitreolysis is to achieve a “functional improvement”. That is, to allow you to return to “normal” day-to-day activities without the hindrance of floaters.

Vitreolysis involves the application of nanosecond pulses of laser light to evaporate the vitreous opacities and to cut the vitreous strands. During this process, the floater’s collagen and hyaluronin molecules are converted into a gas. The end result is that the floater is removed and/or reduced to a size that no longer impedes vision.

What are the Benefits and Risks of Vitreolysis?

Your surgeon will speak with you about the benefits and risks involved before your procedure.

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Benefits (vary by procedure):

Minimally invasive laser procedure with no surgical incisions.

Outpatient treatment with little or no downtime.

Targeted reduction of floaters in carefully selected patients.

Lower risk compared to vitrectomy, as the eye is not surgically entered.

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Risks/side effects (not exhaustive):

Variable effectiveness, with some patients experiencing little improvement.

Transient rise in eye pressure.

Lens damage or cataract formation, particularly in patients with natural lenses.

Not Sure If You're Eligible?

Book a comprehensive eye examination to better understand your vision and available treatment options.

Costs and Finance Options

Please contact us for a personalised quote.

Cataracts

£3,497

Per Eye

Laser precision technology

Expert surgeons

1-year follow-up care

Comprehensive care package

Vitreolysis

£1,868

Per Eye

Up to 3 treatments per eye

Personalised treatment mapping

Minimally invasive procedure

Pain free

Little to no downtime

Premium LASIK

£4,495

Per Eye

Latest LASIK technology

Minimally invasive procedure

Reduced dry eye risk

Premium care package

Flexible Financing Options

Private Medical Insurance

Many of our Consultants work with all of the major insurance providers*

Self Pay

Pay in full for your treatment, for patients who prefer a straightforward approach

0% APR Financing

6 – 24 month payment plans with approved credit

Military Discount

5% discount for active military and veterans

*Private Medical Insurance is unlikely to cover Implantable Contact Lenses, or Laser Lens Replacement

FAQs

Below are some of the most common questions regarding vitreolysis.

Vitreolysis is performed as an outpatient procedure; you do not have to stay overnight in a hospital. Immediately prior to treatment, you will have anaesthetic eye drops administered.

A contact lens will then be placed on your eye, with the laser light delivered through a specially designed microscope.

During your vitreolysis treatment, you will likely observe small, dark specks/shadows – signaling that the floaters are being evaporated into small gas bubbles. These gas bubbles quickly dissolve and resorb into the vitreous.

Once the treatment is complete, your ophthalmologist may treat your eyes with anti-inflammatory drops.

Each treatment session typically takes 20-60 minutes to perform and most patients will need to undergo two treatment sessions, sometimes three, in order to achieve a satisfactory result.

You may observe small, dark specks in your lower field of vision immediately following treatment, which are gas bubbles and will quickly dissolve. It is also important to note that some patients may experience mild discomfort, redness or temporarily blurred vision directly following treatment.

The vitreous humor is the clear, jelly-like substance in the main chamber of the eye, located between the lens and the retina.

At a young age, the vitreous is perfectly transparent. Over time as the eye ages, this vitreous humor can degenerate, losing its form and liquefying. Without the stable vitreous humor, the collagen fibers collapse and bind together to form clumps and knots. It is these fibers, which cast shadows on the retina and appear as spots, strings, or cobwebs that are commonly referred to as “eye floaters.”

In many cases as the eye ages further, the vitreous humor can peel away from the retina entirely. This is known as Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD). PVD is often associated with a sudden increase in the number of floaters.

Reported side effects and complications associated with vitreolysis are rare. Side effects may include cataract and intraocular pressure (IOP) spike.

It is necessary to undergo an ophthalmic examination to determine your eligibility for vitreolysis treatment.

  • Age: In most cases, younger patients (<45) suffer from microscopic floaters located close to the retina (1-2 mm) and are not considered to be good candidates for vitreolysis treatment.
  • Onset of Symptoms: If your floater symptoms develop very quickly then they may be associated with PVD, which can be treated with vitreolysis.
  • Floater Characteristics: Large floaters with a soft border, situated away from the retina, are ideally suited to treatment with vitreolysis

Clinical studies have shown vitreolysis to be a safe, effective treatment in the majority of patients. If floaters persist, however, your ophthalmologist may recommend a surgical vitrectomy.

Depending on your diagnosis, there are several forms of surgery available. Performed in the operating room, surgery involves removal of all or part of the vitreous humor and the accompanying floaters. This type of surgery is very effective but more invasive and has its own risks which are rare but include bleeding, infection and cataract.

Shah CP, Heier JS. YAG Laser Vitreolysis vs Sham YAG Vitreolysis for Symptomatic Vitreous FloatersA Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Ophthalmol. Published online July 20, 2017. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2017.2388

Have Questions?

Our patient care team is here to answer any questions you may have.

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