Introducing Laser Floater Removal
Almost everyone has the occasional floater, or a cobweb, cloud, dot or string-like visual anomaly that appears to float in and out of the visual field. But for some people, floaters are more frequent and much more prominent, and can start to obscure vision, affecting day-to-day activities. And in some cases, floaters indicate something more serious going on inside the eye.
Intracoastal Eye is pleased to offer a breakthrough treatment for floaters. Using one of the most advanced lasers in the world, Dr. Gregory Johnson can quickly and painlessly remove floaters. Intracoastal Eye is one of the first centers in North Carolina to use this revolutionary technology.
Understanding Floaters
Most floaters occur due to changes in the vitreous humor, or the clear, jelly-like substance that fills the inside of the eye and gives it its shape. Over time, the vitreous humor starts to degenerate and liquify, and the cells clump together, creating shadows on the retina. These shadows appear to drift in and out of the visual field.
Some, but not all, floaters are benign. New floaters, a sudden increase in floaters or floaters that are accompanied by flashing lights could indicate a problem, such as the vitreous pulling away from the retina or the retina detaching from the back of the eye. In those cases, it is important to be screened by a trusted ophthalmologist like Dr. Johnson. Depending on what he finds, you may be eligible for laser floater treatment.
How We Treat Floaters
Laser floater treatment can reduce or eliminate floaters that hinder clear vision. Dr. Johnson delivers pulses of laser light to the vitreous to sever strands and clumps and evaporate the floaters into small gas bubbles. These bubbles then dissolve quickly after treatment.
Laser floater removal is performed on an outpatient basis in our office. The procedure takes between 10 and 30 minutes to complete and there is no related pain or downtime, so you can immediately resume your everyday activities. Occasionally, more than one treatment session is needed to get the best results. Side effects of treatment are rare.
If you are experiencing floaters, you should schedule an appointment with Dr. Johnson to discuss laser floater removal. Whether you are eligible for laser treatment depends on factors such as your symptoms, the characteristics of the floaters and your age. To make an appointment, please call 910-777-8254 or email Intracoastal Eye today.