Floaters are tiny clumps and strands in the vitreous gel that cast shadows on the retina, seen as dots, cobwebs or threads that drift across your vision. The vast majority are harmless and become less noticeable over time. Treatment — YAG laser vitreolysis or, in selected cases, vitrectomy — is reserved for floaters that are dense, persistent and significantly affecting day-to-day vision, once the retina has been confirmed healthy.
What are floaters — and when do they matter?
Floaters are usually caused by age-related changes in the vitreous gel, including posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), where the gel separates from the retina. They are extremely common, particularly after the age of 50 and in people who are short-sighted. Most fade from awareness as the brain learns to ignore them.
A sudden shower of new floaters, flashing lights, or a dark curtain or shadow spreading across your vision can be a sign of a retinal tear or detachment — a sight-threatening emergency. If this happens, seek same-day care; NHS emergency eye services are free and available 24/7. Our specialists always examine the retina in detail before considering any floater treatment, both to rule out a tear and to plan the safest option. Learn more about floaters as a condition or retinal detachment.
Your treatment options
Not every floater is suitable for laser — well-defined floaters away from the retina and lens respond best, while diffuse or very near-retina floaters may be safer to monitor or treat with surgery. Your suitability is confirmed at assessment. See related vitreoretinal surgery.
What happens during treatment
YAG laser vitreolysis is done in the clinic with anaesthetic drops. A contact lens is placed on the eye and short laser pulses are used to vaporise and break up the floater so it becomes less noticeable. A session takes around 15–30 minutes, you are awake throughout, and you can usually go home straight away.
Vitrectomy is reserved for severe, disabling floaters that have not responded to other measures. The vitreous gel — and the floaters within it — is removed through tiny ports under local anaesthetic with sedation, as a day case. Because it is surgery, it carries greater risks than laser, so it is considered carefully and only when the impact on vision justifies it.
Floaters affecting your day-to-day life? Find out whether laser or surgery could help.
Book a floaters assessmentRecovery and aftercare
After YAG laser
Vision may be hazy for a short time and you might notice tiny new specks that settle. Most people return to normal activities the same or next day. Anti-inflammatory or pressure-lowering drops are sometimes prescribed briefly.
After vitrectomy
The eye is red and gritty for a few days and you use prescribed drops. Vision clears over a couple of weeks. You avoid heavy lifting and rubbing the eye and attend follow-up appointments.
What to watch for
Contact the clinic urgently if you develop a sudden increase in floaters, flashing lights, a shadow or curtain in your vision, or increasing pain or redness — these can indicate a retinal problem needing prompt attention.
How much does floater treatment cost?
A retinal consultation with imaging is from £240. YAG laser vitreolysis is typically £1,200–£2,200 per eye per session, and more than one session may be needed. Vitrectomy for severe floaters starts from around £6,500 per eye. Your written quote is confirmed after assessment. See the full price list or request a personalised quote below.
Floaters FAQs
Are eye floaters dangerous?
Most floaters are harmless and are a normal part of ageing in the vitreous gel. They become less noticeable over time. However, a sudden increase in floaters — especially with flashing lights or a shadow across your vision — can signal a retinal tear or detachment, which is an emergency and needs same-day assessment.
When should I worry about floaters?
Seek urgent, same-day eye care if you notice a sudden shower of new floaters, flashes of light, or a dark curtain or shadow spreading across your vision. These can be signs of a retinal tear or detachment. NHS emergency eye services are free and available 24/7.
Do floaters go away on their own?
Many floaters fade from awareness over weeks to months as they drift out of your line of sight and the brain adapts. They rarely disappear completely, but most people stop noticing them. Treatment is only considered when floaters remain dense and genuinely affect vision.
What is YAG laser vitreolysis?
YAG laser vitreolysis is a non-surgical, in-clinic treatment that uses short laser pulses to break up well-defined floaters so they cast less of a shadow. It takes around 15–30 minutes per session under anaesthetic drops, and one to three sessions may be needed. It is most effective for distinct floaters away from the retina and lens.
When is vitrectomy used for floaters?
Vitrectomy is reserved for severe, persistent floaters that are significantly disabling and have not responded to other measures. It removes the vitreous gel and the floaters within it through keyhole surgery. Because it carries greater risks than laser, it is considered carefully and only when the impact on vision justifies it.
How much does floater treatment cost?
A retinal consultation with imaging is from £240. YAG laser vitreolysis is typically £1,200–£2,200 per eye per session, and more than one session may be needed. Vitrectomy for severe floaters starts from around £6,500 per eye. You receive a fixed written quote after assessment.