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What Is YAG Vitreolysis?

YAG vitreolysis is an in-office laser procedure that breaks up vitreous floaters. Floaters are tiny clumps inside the eye's gel that can drift across vision. The goal is to make floaters less noticeable during daily tasks. A doctor decides if the floater type and location make laser treatment a reasonable choice.

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What Is YAG Vitreolysis?

YAG vitreolysis is an in-office laser procedure that breaks up vitreous floaters. Floaters are tiny clumps inside the eye's gel that can drift across vision. The goal is to make floaters less noticeable during daily tasks. A doctor decides if the floater type and location make laser treatment a reasonable choice.

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Why Do Eye Floaters Happen?

Floaters often show up as the gel inside the eye ages and changes shape. Small strands can clump together and cast shadows on the retina. Floaters can also start after an eye injury, inflammation, or certain surgeries. A sudden burst of floaters, flashes, or a curtain-like shadow needs urgent care.

What Happens During YAG Vitreolysis?

The visit usually starts with dilating drops and a quick eye check. A special contact lens sits on the eye while the laser targets the floater. The laser energy breaks the floater into smaller pieces so the shadow is less distracting. Many visits take under an hour from start to finish.

What Are Possible Side Effects and Risks?

Blurred vision, mild soreness, and light sensitivity can happen for a short time after treatment. Some people notice a temporary rise in eye pressure, so a pressure check is common after the visit. Rare risks include inflammation, bleeding, damage to the lens, or a retinal tear. Ask an eye doctor about warning signs before leaving the office.

When Should You Call an Eye Doctor?

Call right away if new flashes, a sudden shower of floaters, or a dark curtain in vision starts. Seek care fast for severe eye pain, nausea, or halos around lights. Sudden vision loss also needs urgent attention. These signs can point to a retinal problem that needs prompt treatment.

FAQs on YAG Vitreolysis

Is YAG Vitreolysis the Same as a Vitrectomy?

No. A vitrectomy is a surgery that removes some or all of the vitreous gel. YAG vitreolysis uses a laser to break up floaters without removing the gel. An eye surgeon can explain the pros and cons of each option.

Does YAG Vitreolysis Remove Floaters Completely?

Results vary. Some people notice fewer or lighter floaters, while others see little change. More than one session is sometimes needed, based on floater size and location.

How Long Is Recovery After YAG Vitreolysis?

Many people go back to normal activities the same day. Vision can stay blurry for a few hours, especially after dilating drops. Follow the after-visit plan, including any pressure checks or eye drops.

Who Should Not Get YAG Vitreolysis?

Laser vitreolysis is not a match for every floater. Floaters that sit close to the retina or the natural lens can raise the risk of injury. Active inflammation, a new retinal tear, or certain eye conditions can also change the plan. A full eye exam is the safest way to decide.

References

Laser Vitreolysis. EyeWiki (American Academy of Ophthalmology). https://eyewiki.org/Laser_Vitreolysis. Date Accessed February 6, 2026.

YAG Laser Vitreolysis vs Sham YAG Vitreolysis for Symptomatic Vitreous Floaters: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Ophthalmology (via PubMed). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28727887/. Date Accessed February 6, 2026.

Reported Complications Following Laser Vitreolysis. JAMA Ophthalmology (via PubMed Central). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6583262/. Date Accessed February 6, 2026.

Vitrectomy for Floaters (Fact Sheet). American Society of Retina Specialists. https://www.asrs.org/content/documents/fact-sheet-25-vitrectomy-for-floaters.pdf. Date Accessed February 6, 2026.

Eye Floaters. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (U.S. National Library of Medicine). https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002085.htm. Date Accessed February 6, 2026.