YAG Laser Vitreolysis

YAG Laser Vitreolysis is a state-of-the-art laser floater removal treatment. Laser vitreolysis targets and eliminates visual disturbances caused by "floaters" that are caused by vitreous gel.

What are Eye Floaters?

Eye floaters are visual disturbances that take a variety of different forms, from dark spots and patches to flashes of light, squiggly lines, or rings. Many people experience intermittent episodes of floaters. If they aren’t getting any worse and your vision isn’t affected, they are rarely anything to worry about. However, there are instances where floaters are much more serious and require professional treatment.


Causes of Floaters

Lots of different patients of all ages and lifestyles develop floaters and flashes that momentarily affect their vision. They are more common the older you get as they are typically caused by age-related changes that occur when the vitreous substance inside our eyes becomes more liquid.

When this happens, floaters are largely unharmful, unless they become frequent and start to impact the quality of your eyesight. Sometimes floaters can be caused by a serious condition known as retinal detachment. This is where the part of the eye responsible for sending signals to the brain, the retina, pulls away from the back of the eye.

​​​​​​​If left untreated, retinal detachment can cause permanent vision loss. If your floaters are causing you to experience issues with your vision, you should speak to our Sunnyside eye doctor immediately. ​​​​​​​If left untreated, retinal detachment can cause permanent vision loss. If your floaters are causing you to experience issues with your vision, you should speak to our Sunnyside eye doctor immediately. YAG laser vitreolysis a premier treatment for irritating eye floaters.

YAG Laser Floater Removal

What to expect from YAG laser vitreolysis treatment

YAG laser vitreolysis is a non-invasive, highly effective treatment that minimizes or eliminates visual disturbances caused by floaters. The treatment uses cutting edge laser technology. Nanosecond pulses of laser energy are targeted at the vitreous within the eyes, evaporating opacities as well as collagen and hyaluronic molecules so that the floater is no longer as opaque and impeding your vision.

​​​​A YAG laser vitreous treatment can usually be performed in under an hour. You will remain awake for the duration of the treatment. Eyedrops will be administered ahead of your procedure, and these will prepare your eye for the treatment. Since they contain some anesthetic, the drops will prevent you from being in any pain once the laser treatment begins.

You may experience a little discomfort, redness, or temporarily blurred vision directly after treatment, but this should resolve itself within just a few hours. You will also need be given anti-inflammatory eyedrops afterward which will help to counteract any inflammation that may occur. Many patients will benefit from two sessions of treatment which will ensure that they receive the best possible outcome.


YAG laser vitreolysis is one of the most effective treatments for eliminating visual disturbances from floaters. To find out more about this treatment, or to schedule a consultation to see if you are a good candidate for the procedure, call Progressive Ophthalmology today at 718-565-2020.