Floaters and
Lasik, PRK, LASEK, Epi-Lasik, etc.

Floaters are small particles of the inner eye that float around in the clear liquids and gels within the eye. They are common among all people, but can be created or exacerbated by conventional or custom wavefront Lasik, All-Laser Lasik, and Epi-Lasik. Existing floaters can be disturbed by almost any eye surgery.

During Lasik, All-Laser Lasik, and Epi-Lasik surgery, the pressure inside the eye is elevated when the microkeratome vacuum ring is attached. Extended elevated internal pressure can cause minor to major detachment of the vitreous or retina. Such detachment can cause floaters or other more serious problems. Although the duration of the elevated pressure during these procedures is short, it may be enough to induce floaters in those who are already predisposed to floaters.

There is no cure for floaters, however the brain seems to become accustomed to them and will ignore minor floaters.

People who are severely myopic (nearsighted, shortsighted) have a higher risk of retinal problems because the eye is elongated and the retina is often stretched over this larger than normal eye ball. For this reason, people with extreme myopia tend to be predisposed to floaters.

Changes in contrast sensitivity may cause existing floaters to become more noticeable. Changes in contrast sensitivity are not unusual with refractive surgery, but it is rare the change is significant enough to be problematic.

If you have a history of floaters or problems with the vitreous or retina, it may be wise to be evaluated by a retina specialist before having Lasik, All-Laser Lasik, or Epi-Lasik.

Although there is always the possibility of problems, PRK and LASEK do not require the high inner eye pressure of Lasik, All-Laser Lasik, and Epi-Lasik, therefore PRK or LASEK may be appropriate alternatives.

If you are ready to choose a doctor to be evaluated for conventional or custom wavefront Lasik, All-Laser Lasik, PRK, LASEK, Epi-Lasik, RLE, or any refractive surgery procedure, we highly recommend you consider a doctor who has been evaluated and certified by the USAEyes nonprofit organization. Locate a USAEyes Evaluated & Certified Lasik Laser Eye Surgery Doctor.