Vitrectomy
for floaters.
Persistent floaters can interfere with reading, screen work and everyday vision. A retinal assessment helps establish the cause and whether the likely benefit of treatment justifies its risks.
Start with a careful examination
Floaters are shadows from material within the vitreous gel. Their effect on vision varies. Your assessment considers the symptoms, duration, retinal findings, whether you have had cataract surgery and the effect on daily activities.
Most floaters do not need surgery. Sudden new floaters, flashes or a shadow in vision require prompt retinal assessment rather than a routine discussion of elective floater surgery.
Observation, laser or surgery?
Observation is often appropriate, particularly when symptoms are recent or manageable. For persistent, disabling symptoms, pars plana vitrectomy may be considered to remove vitreous opacities. The aim is to reduce their effect on vision, without guaranteeing that every floater or symptom will disappear.
Benefits must be weighed against cataract progression, retinal tears or detachment, infection, swelling of the macula and rare permanent loss of vision. Risk varies with the eye and surgical plan.
We also offer YAG laser vitreolysis, laser treatment for selected floaters. This uses focused laser energy to disrupt suitable vitreous opacities (material casting shadows in the vision) without an incision. Suitability depends on the floater type and its position relative to the lens and retina. Improvement varies, further treatment may be needed, and risks include a rise in eye pressure and damage to the lens or retina. Your ophthalmologist will discuss whether observation, laser or surgery is appropriate.
Plan recovery before deciding
The operation and recovery are individual. Discuss anaesthesia, cataract implications, time away from work, driving and follow-up. Gas is not required for every floater operation; if used, positioning and travel restrictions apply.
Your surgeon will explain the plan for your eye. Read the retinal surgery and aftercare guides for more detail.
Questions before considering surgery.
Do troublesome floaters always justify surgery?＋
No. Your symptoms, retinal examination, whether you still have your natural lens and the risks you are willing to accept all matter. An assessment may lead to observation rather than surgery.
Can I have normal visual acuity (letter-chart vision) but still struggle with floaters?＋
Yes. Tell your ophthalmologist how symptoms affect reading, contrast and everyday activities, as well as your score on a letter chart.
Will I develop a cataract?＋
Vitrectomy can accelerate cataract formation when the natural lens remains. The timing varies. Your surgeon will discuss how having your natural lens or a previous cataract operation affects the decision.
How much does floater surgery cost?＋
Costs depend on the procedure, hospital, anaesthetic and insurance arrangements. Request an individual estimate before making a decision.
Arrange a floater assessment
A consultation is an opportunity to understand your options. Surgery is recommended only when clinically appropriate after discussing benefits, alternatives and risks.