Laser Floater Removal Specialist

Cliffside Laser Eye and Cataract Center

Richard Levine, MD

Refractive Cataract and LASIK Specialist

Vision changes as you age are inevitable, and that includes annoying eye floaters. Most everyone experiences floaters on occasion. While mild symptoms cause little more than a bit of annoyance, more severe cases may require treatment, such as laser floater removal by Richard Levine, MD at Cliffside Laser Eye and Cataract Center. The laser floater removal procedure gives you a less painful or invasive alternative to conventional surgery. Dr. Levine is pleased to provide LASIK to patients at Cliffside Laser Eye and Cataract Center in Cliffside Park, New Jersey. To book a consultation, call the office or use the online scheduler today.

Laser Floater Removal Q & A

What are eye floaters?

Also called vitreous floaters, eye floaters are tiny particles or pieces of debris that appear to drift around in the field of vision. Shaped like spots, strands, lines, clouds or cobwebs, they never stop moving. Everyone has experienced the occasional floater since they are quite common. Floaters don’t follow the movements of your eye and seem to drift away when you try to look directly at them. Floaters may be more noticeable when you’re looking at something bright, like the sky or a computer screen with a white or light-colored background. They tend to settle at the bottom of the eye below your line of sight.

Although floaters can be annoying, they’re usually harmless. If you have them, a full examination of your retina through dilated pupils is necessary.

Who gets floaters?

An estimated 75 percent of people develop floaters at some point. Factors that make them more likely include:

  • Being age 40 or older
  • Having eye surgery, such as cataract surgery or LASIK
  • Nearsightedness

How can laser treatment remove floaters?

Laser treatment uses targeted light to gently and painlessly dissolve floaters. It’s precise, safe, and effective. The procedure requires only eyedrop anaesthesia and can often be performed on the same day as your office visit.  In most cases, floaters can be eliminated or substantially reduced with one or two brief (5-10 minute) treatments, three months apart.  

There is no “downtime,” and return to work and normal activities is possible immediately.

What is the laser floater removal procedure like?

Dr. Levine will begin your procedure by dilating your pupils and numbing your eye with drops. He’ll then aim the laser at the floaters and gently dissolve them. The procedure is comfortable and quick, taking only 5-10 minutes. The treatment is done with a beam of invisible light through the pupil. There is no incision or discomfort.

There’s no need for downtime. You’ll return the next day for a follow-up exam. Though one laser procedure is usually enough for floater removal, you may need additional treatments for maximum results, depending on the severity of your symptoms.

Laser Procedure Actually Gets Rid of Eye Floaters

This laser procedure actually gets rid of floaters; it doesn’t just break them into smaller pieces. The laser process used is called optical breakdown. Our laser procedure has one major advantage: It’s much more precise, meaning the floaters are disrupted without changing the rest of the vitreous or other eye structures.

Discuss Laser Floater Removal with Our Team

If you experience large or bothersome floaters, find out whether Laser Floater Removal Procedure is right for you. Call 201-941-9400, or email Cliffside Eye Center today to schedule a consultation.

*Individual results may vary.