Laser Floater Treatments (LFT)
Laser floater treatment is an effective, in-office option for treating eye floaters. At Anh Nguyen Ophthalmology, our ophthalmologists and eye care specialists are highly skilled in performing LFT to help you achieve clearer vision that is unburdened by floaters.
What are Floaters?
Floaters, also called vitreous opacities, are small spots in your vision that resemble floating specks, strings, or cobwebs (vitreous strands). They may drift around when you move your eyes or dart away when you try to look directly at them. The majority of eye floaters are due to age-related changes such as posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) that occur as the vitreous gel (jelly-like substance) within the eyes ages and contracts. Clumps of collagen fibers form inside the vitreous, which appear like small shadows when they float in the path of light traveling from the pupil onto the retina. These shadows are what we call floaters.
While most cases of floaters are not dangerous, being aware of changes is important. If you experience a sudden increase in floaters along with light flashes or loss of vision, contact your eye specialist right away. This can be a sign of an emergency that requires immediate attention.
What are Laser Floater Treatments (LFT)?
Laser floater treatment (LFT), also called vitreolysis, is a non-invasive procedure to eliminate vitreous floaters. LFT is a YAG laser treatment that delivers precise low-energy pulses into the vitreous humor, specifically targeting floaters to achieve clearer vision. During the procedure, patients may see small spots or shadows being vaporized into gas during treatment. These spots are dissolved and reabsorbed by the vitreous humor. This quick treatment is performed on an outpatient basis so patients can return home following their procedure.
Benefits of Laser Floater Treatment (LFT) include:
- Non-invasive.
- Painless.
- Quick procedure.
- No significant downtime.
Laser Floater Treatments Recovery
Recovery from laser floater treatment is typically quick and easy. Most patients can return to their regular activities the same day or shortly following their procedure. Some individuals may experience mild blurriness or light sensitivity, which should resolve with time. Some floaters may also be visible right after the procedure, but they should decrease as the body reabsorbs the treated fragments.
Over the days following treatment, patients should experience an improvement in floaters. Our team will schedule a follow-up visit with you to monitor your progress and check for any possible complications.
Am I a Candidate?
Ideal candidates for laser floater treatment are those experiencing significant visual disturbances caused by floaters that tend to interfere with vision, those whose floaters occur at a safe distance from the retina and lens for treatment, and those with stable eye health and no active retinal disease or inflammation. Patients who have had the natural lens in their eye replaced with an artificial lens (an IOL) can be especially good candidates for LFT. Overall, the best way to determine if this procedure is right for you is to schedule a consultation with one of our eye care specialists today.
Schedule an Appointment
Laser floater treatment is one of the most effective ways to address unwanted vitreous floaters. To begin discussing your options for floater treatment, contact Anh Nguyen Ophthalmology by calling or filling out our online form.