YAG vitreolysis is a laser procedure used to break up or dissolve persistent eye floaters that interfere with vision. Learn how it works, who it is suitable for, and what to expect during treatment.
YAG vitreolysis is a specialised laser procedure designed to treat persistent floaters — small, shadow-casting opacities inside the vitreous gel of the eye.
While most floaters are harmless and often become less noticeable over time, some remain large, dense, or centrally positioned, causing blurred patches, moving shadows, or visual distraction that impacts daily life.
YAG vitreolysis uses targeted bursts of laser energy to break up or vaporise these floaters, transforming them into tiny fragments that no longer interfere with vision.
It is a non-invasive outpatient treatment, and for selected patients, it offers an effective alternative to vitrectomy.
Comprehensive assessment:
A detailed retinal evaluation ensures the floater is safe to treat and not linked to a retinal tear, PVD complication, or inflammation.
Anaesthetic eye drops are applied for comfort.
A specialised YAG laser is used to:
Disrupt the floater
Vaporise dense opacities
Fragment larger clumps into harmless microscopic particles
The treatment focuses on floaters that are:
Well-defined
Located safely away from the retina and lens
Causing significant visual disturbance
The procedure typically lasts 10–20 minutes and has no incisions or injections.
Reduces or eliminates bothersome floaters
Improves clarity and visual comfort
Quick, outpatient procedure
Non-surgical, with no cuts or stitches
No downtime — normal activities can resume immediately
Lower risk than vitrectomy in suitable cases
Targeted treatment for safely positioned floaters
YAG vitreolysis may be recommended if:
You have persistent floaters lasting 3 months or longer
The floater is central and consistently interfering with reading, driving, or screens
Floaters are due to posterior vitreous detachment (PVD)
The floater is well-defined (e.g., Weiss ring) and safely positioned
You prefer to avoid vitrectomy surgery
Your floater causes reduced contrast, “cloudy patches,” or moving shadows
It is not suitable for diffuse haze, inflammatory floaters, or floaters close to the retina.
Anaesthetic drops make the procedure painless
A contact lens may be placed on the eye for focusing
You may see small flashes of light
You will hear soft “clicks” from the laser
The treatment is typically completed within 20 minutes
Vision may be slightly blurry immediately afterwards
Most patients notice improvement over days to weeks, depending on floater density and location.
Consider early treatment if:
The floater significantly impacts reading, driving, or work
Symptoms persist beyond several months
You’ve been told the floater will “settle” but it remains intrusive
The floater is large, well-defined, and centrally positioned
It causes distraction or reduced quality of life
Early assessment ensures no underlying retinal issues are missed.
No downtime — normal activities can resume the same day
Mild blurring or light sensitivity may occur temporarily
Anti-inflammatory drops may be prescribed
Follow-up ensures the retina remains healthy
Additional sessions may be needed for dense or multiple floaters
Most patients achieve long-term relief after one or two treatments.
