Surgery for Floaters

Ask an Eye M.D. Answer Archive

Question:
I heard that floaters can now be removed by blasting them to small particles and vacuuming them out. Have you heard of this procedure and does it work?  

Answer:
I too have heard of this procedure being performed. Ophthalmologists are certainly capable of performing this microsurgery. However, this would be major ophthalmological surgery with substantial immediate and long-term risk that does not outweigh the minor benefit. This is almost never needed for vision as most floaters will become less apparent over time.

Answered by: Michael Repka, MD 

Categories: Eye Conditions, Eye Surgery

Have a question that hasn't been answered yet? Ask it!