Eye floaters are a common frustration that hinders the clarity of your vision and the comfort of your eyes. If these shadow-like figures, specks, or spots have become obstructive, Spindel Eye Associates can help. Discover advanced ophthalmologic care with our laser vitreolysis treatment in Derry and the surrounding areas.
Protect & Improve Your Ocular Health
In business for over 35 years, Spindel Eye Associates is proud to stand among Southern New Hampshire’s premier ophthalmologic and optometric practices. Merging extensive expertise and multidisciplinary professionals, our services are defined by the highest standards of quality care. Trust in our dedication to protect and improve your eye health and vision.
What Are Eye Floaters?
Vitreous strands and opacities, commonly called eye floaters, are small clumps of protein fibers floating around the gel-like liquid known as the vitreous. When the eye is exposed to light, these bundles of protein and cells create a shadow effect over the retina. This sparks the perception of something floating in the eye.
The Progression of Eye Floaters
With age, the portion of the eye that houses the vitreous gel gradually detaches from the back of the eye wall. This causes protein fibers to loosen and clump together, resulting in an influx of eye floaters, resulting in a condition called macular pucker. Excess floaters may also be indicative of severe diabetic retinopathy.
Symptoms of Eye Floaters
The symptoms of eye floaters vary from one person to the next. Some of the tell-tale signs of floaters include:
- Specks or spots that drift through your line of vision
- Dark, shadow-like shapes that move when your eye moves
- Floaters triggered by bright light
- Sporadic light flashes
Treatment for Eye Floaters
A minor case of eye floaters is typically no cause for concern. Many individuals live with this condition. However, it’s important to seek professional intervention if you are experiencing a sudden increase in floaters or the floaters have begun to obstruct your vision. Treatment for floaters depends on the cause and severity.
Introducing the YAG Laser Vitreolysis Procedure
Modern innovations have welcomed a revolutionary approach to alleviating eye floaters with the YAG laser vitreolysis procedure. This minimally invasive, virtually pain-free procedure is designed to precisely target and improve the presence of eye floaters. We recommend two laser vitreolysis sessions for most patients to experience functional improvements.
How Vitreolysis Laser Treatment of Floaters Works
Vitreolysis laser treatment for eye floaters uses a specialized laser light device to evaporate vitreous opacities and dismantle vitreous strands. This targeted approach employs nanosecond pulses of low-energy light to convert the collagen and hyaluronic molecules into a gas. As a result, laser vitreolysis improves or eliminates the size and appearance of floaters.
The Laser Vitreolysis Treatment Process
Laser vitreolysis is completed as an outpatient procedure. On the day of treatment, one of our experts at Spindel Eye Associates will prepare the eye using mild anesthetic eye drops. We then place a special contact lens over the eye and employ a microscope tool to precisely treat the floaters using low-energy laser light pulses.
Laser Vitreolysis Recovery
Once treatment concludes, we will administer anti-inflammatory drops to soothe and protect the eye. The procedure is typically well-tolerated; however, temporary discomfort, redness, and/or blurred vision may occur. It is also normal to experience dark spots caused by gas bubbles, but they will dissolve soon after treatment.
Potential Complications & Side Effects
The YAG laser vitreolysis procedure is safe and has a very low risk of complications. However, while rare, side effects are not entirely unheard of and may include an increase in intraocular pressure, vitreous detachment, or cataracts. However, at Spindel Eye Associates, we employ advanced safety precautions to minimize these risks.
The Benefits of YAG Laser Vitreolysis Procedure
The laser vitreolysis procedure is truly transformative for patients experiencing obstructive eye floaters. The leading benefits of this treatment include:
- Non-invasive and virtually pain-free
- Timely and convenient, completed in 60 minutes or less
- Little to no recovery time
- Tangible improvements or complete eradication of eye floaters
- Clearer vision and overall comfort
How Spindel Eye Associates Can Help
At Spindel Eye Associates, your ocular health is our leading priority. With over three decades of experience, we understand the importance of personalized care and effective treatment. That’s why we offer patients in Derry and the surrounding areas access to state-of-the-art ophthalmologic and optometric technology to protect and enhance their vision and eye health.
Learn More About Laser Vitreolysis for Floaters
If you’re navigating invasive eye floaters, you’ve come to the right place. Discover compassionate guidance and individualized treatment with Spindel Eye Associates’ YAG laser vitreolysis procedure. To learn more or schedule a consultation, contact our friendly team today.