FLOATER LASER TREATMENT SPECIALISTS

Arlington Heights, IL Floater Laser Treatment (Vitreolysis)

Serving you in Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove  and the surrounding areas.

847-392-9220
Redefining convention-YAG laser vitreolysis. of vitreous strands and opacities, and overcomes many of the risks associated with invasive vitrectomy.
Vitreolyis provides an effective outpatient-based treatment for the renovation

  • What is Vitreolysis?

    Vitreolysis, also known as floater laser treatment, is a pain-free, simple and non-invasive procedure that uses a laser to eliminate the visual disruption that floaters can cause. This procedure is performed at your ophthalmologist’s office and can take 20-60 minutes per treatment. Most patients will need to have two treatments in order to get their desired results, which is to have a “functional improvement.” This entails being able to resume your normal activities without having the burden of floaters.On average, patients will require two treatment sessions to achieve a satisfactory result.

  • How does this treatment work?

    Vitreolysis uses a nano-pulsed laser to evaporate the vitreous strands and opacities. This highly-effective procedure also evaporates the collagen and hyaluronin molecules to form a gas. The result is that the floater gets eliminated or reduced to a size that no longer obstructs your vision.

  • What happens during the procedure?

    This outpatient procedure involves getting some eye drops that will prepare your eye and are a mild anesthetic. The ophthalmologist will then place a contact lens on your eye that the laser light will go through. While being treated, you will probably see some small dark shadows or specks. This indicates that the floaters are being turned into small gas bubbles that will dissolve and get reabsorbed into the vitreous humor.


    After treatment, you may be given some anti-inflammatory drops. Most patients do require two sessions to get desired results. These treatment sessions can be performed on consecutive days since there is no inflammation post-treatment.

  • What should I expect after treatment?

    Right after you are treated, you may notice some small, dark specks in your lower field of vision. These are small gas bubbles that will get dissolved and they are not a hindrance to your vision.


    Some patients may experience some mild discomfort after treatment or they may have some redness or blurred vision that is temporary.

  • Who are good candidates for Vitreolysis?

    There are some floaters that are effectively treated with vitreolysis, but some types may be more difficult to treat than others. In order to determine if you are a good candidate for vitreolysis, you will first need to have an ophthalmic exam.


    You are most likely to be a good candidate if you are suffering from constant shadows in your vision that move because of vitreal condensations, strands, fibers, and/or clouds. Additional factors that play into whether or not this is a good treatment for you are:

    • Age: For most cases, patients under 45 years old who suffer from microscopic floaters that are close to the retina are most likely not a good candidate
    • Floater Characteristics: Floaters that are best treated with vitreolysis are large and have a soft border that is positioned away from the retina
    • Onset of Symptoms: If your symptoms came on very fast, they may be connected with a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), which can be treated effectively with vitreolysis

Frequently Asked Questions About Floater Laser Treatment

  • What is laser vitreolysis?

    Laser vitreolysis, also called floater laser treatment, is a non-invasive procedure that uses a specialized YAG laser to break up or vaporize certain eye floaters. The goal is to reduce the visual interference caused by floaters without removing the vitreous gel from the eye.

  • What types of floaters can be treated with laser vitreolysis?

    Laser vitreolysis works best for certain types of floaters, particularly large, well-defined floaters such as Weiss rings that are located a safe distance from the retina and natural lens. Not every floater is suitable for laser treatment, so a comprehensive examination is necessary to determine candidacy.

  • Am I a good candidate for laser floater treatment?

    You may be a candidate if you:

    • Have persistent floaters that interfere with daily activities
    • Have floaters that can be safely treated with a laser
    • Have healthy retinal tissue
    • Have completed a comprehensive retinal examination

    Your ophthalmologist will determine whether laser vitreolysis is appropriate or if observation or another treatment is recommended.

  • How does laser vitreolysis work?

    During the procedure, a specialized YAG laser precisely targets the floater and breaks it into smaller, less noticeable fragments or vaporizes portions of it. This allows more light to pass through the eye without the floater blocking your vision.

  • Is laser floater treatment painful?

    No. Laser vitreolysis is generally considered painless. Numbing eye drops are used before the procedure, and most patients experience only mild pressure or brief flashes of light during treatment.

  • How long does laser vitreolysis take?

    Most laser vitreolysis treatments take approximately 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the number, size, and location of the floaters being treated. The procedure is performed in your ophthalmologist's office without the need for general anesthesia.

  • Will one treatment remove all of my floaters?

    Some patients achieve significant improvement after one treatment, while others may benefit from multiple sessions. The number of treatments depends on the size, density, and location of your floaters, as well as your treatment goals.

  • How effective is laser floater treatment?

    Many patients experience noticeable improvement in their symptoms after laser vitreolysis. However, results vary depending on the characteristics of the floater. Your ophthalmologist will discuss the expected outcome based on your individual examination.

  • What is the recovery time after laser vitreolysis?

    Recovery is typically minimal. Most patients return to normal daily activities shortly after their appointment. Your ophthalmologist will provide specific instructions and schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress.

  • Are there risks associated with laser vitreolysis?

    As with any eye procedure, there are potential risks. These may include temporary eye irritation, inflammation, increased eye pressure, or, in uncommon cases, damage to nearby eye structures. Careful patient selection and treatment by an experienced ophthalmologist help minimize these risks.

  • What is the difference between laser vitreolysis and vitrectomy?

    Laser vitreolysis treats certain floaters by using a laser to reduce their visual impact without removing the vitreous gel. A vitrectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the vitreous entirely and is generally reserved for severe cases because it is more invasive.

  • Can all eye floaters be treated with a laser?

    No. Some floaters are too small, too close to the retina, or too close to the natural lens to be treated safely with a laser. A comprehensive eye examination is necessary to determine whether laser vitreolysis is appropriate.

  • When should I seek immediate medical attention for floaters?

    If you suddenly develop:

    • A large increase in floaters
    • Flashes of light
    • A curtain or shadow over your vision
    • Sudden vision loss

    You should contact an ophthalmologist immediately, as these symptoms could indicate a retinal tear or retinal detachment requiring urgent treatment.

  • Does insurance cover laser floater treatment?

    Insurance coverage varies depending on your diagnosis, symptoms, and insurance plan. Your care team can review your benefits and discuss any potential out-of-pocket costs before treatment.

  • Why choose Northwest Eye Physicians for laser floater treatment in Arlington Heights?

    Northwest Eye Physicians offers advanced laser vitreolysis for appropriately selected patients bothered by persistent eye floaters. Their experienced ophthalmologists perform comprehensive retinal evaluations to determine whether laser treatment is the safest and most effective option, providing personalized care for patients throughout Arlington Heights and the northwest Chicago suburbs.