Can Floaters be Removed by Surgery?

Eye floaters are small, shadowy shapes that move around in your vision. They are common and usually look like dots, lines, or cobwebs.

While floaters are minor and harmless to some people, they may be a major issue for others. An increased number of floaters may indicate an underlying issue or serious eye problem. As such, it needs to be medically examined and treated immediately.

In this article, we discuss surgery for eye floaters. We will answer the most common question about floaters; Can floaters be effectively removed by surgery? And explore surgical options available. We delve into the procedures, how they are performed, and what you can expect from each of them.

Can Surgery Effectively Remove Eye Floaters?

The simple answer is yes, surgery has proven to be an effective solution for floaters, for many people. However, it is not as straightforward as it may sound. It is important to know that the option for surgery is not taken lightly.

Generally, surgery to remove floaters is usually reserved for severe cases where the floaters significantly impact vision and affect the way an individual performs his daily activities.

Also, note that while it is effective in clearing vision, it also comes with its risks or complications, and like any other surgical procedure, these can range from minor to major complications.

Working with a certified doctor is the key to successful procedures. They can conduct a full assessment of the causes and effects of your eye floaters, recommend the best treatment options, and help you weigh the risks and benefits of each option.

Surgical Options to Remove Floaters

When it comes to getting rid of eye floaters through surgery, there are a couple of main options to consider. Each of them has its own way of tackling those annoying floaters. They include;

Vitrectomy

Vitrectomy is one of the go-to surgeries. It involves removing the vitreous gel inside your eye (this is where the floaters float around). By taking out this gel, the floaters go along with it, giving the patient a clearer view.

During this procedure, an eye surgeon makes small incisions in the eye to remove the vitreous gel along with any floaters contained within it. The gel is then replaced with a saline solution, which mimics the natural vitreous in the eye, ensuring that the eye maintains its shape.

This replacement fluid is clear, which helps to restore clearer vision, as the floaters and the cloudy vitreous gel are no longer present to obstruct your sight.

Laser Vitreolysis

Unlike Vitrectomy which removes the vitreous gel and floaters, Laser Vitreolysis uses a laser to zap the floaters, breaking them up so they are less noticeable. It is less invasive and can be done pretty quickly.

During the procedure, the practitioner uses a laser beam to deliver a series of small, precise bursts of energy to the floaters. These bursts of energy disrupt the structure of the floaters, either vaporising them entirely or fragmenting them into smaller pieces that are less visible and less likely to obstruct vision.

The key advantage here is that the vitreous gel itself remains intact, avoiding the need to replace it with any substitute.

Note that both of these options have their pros and cons, and not every method is right for everyone. It is important to choose a qualified professional who can recommend the best procedure for your specific case.

Make sure to have a good chat with them and understand the benefits of each option before deciding. Also, ask about the risks involved and what you can expect from the surgery in terms of results.