Introduction
At The Retina Clinic London, we are global leaders in the diagnosis and treatment of Vitreous Floaters and Opacities (VFOs). Led by Prof. Paulo Stanga, our clinic has pioneered advancements in this field, introducing terms such as Vitreous Floaters and Opacities and developing innovative diagnostic and treatment methods.
We use the SK-VFO testing methodology, a published and validated objective method developed by our team to assess the impact of floaters on vision. This allows us to design a personalised treatment plan for every patient. To learn more about floaters, visit our dedicated page: Floaters.
Important Note: If you experience a sudden onset of floaters, flashes of light, or a noticeable change in your vision, this may indicate a more serious issue, such as a retinal tear or detachment. In such cases, it is essential to seek an urgent appointment with a retinal specialist for a full examination.
1. Monitoring
For patients with mild floaters that do not significantly interfere with daily activities, we may recommend monitoring as the initial approach.
- What to expect: Monitoring includes regular reviews using advanced diagnostic tools, including the SK-VFO methodology, to track any progression.
- Natural adaptation: Over time, many patients find that their brain adapts to the presence of floaters, making them less noticeable.
This option is suitable for patients whose floaters are stable, mild, and not disruptive to daily life.
2. YAG Laser Floater Treatment
YAG laser vitreolysis is a non-invasive procedure offered at The Retina Clinic London to treat specific types of floaters.
- How it works: A specialised laser precisely targets and breaks floaters into smaller, less noticeable fragments. This technique is particularly effective for Weiss rings, which are circular or semi-circular opacities caused by the vitreous detaching from the optic nerve.
- Who it is best for:
– Patients with smaller, clearly defined floaters, such as Weiss rings.
– Patients whose floaters are localised and not widespread across the vitreous.
This quick, painless procedure is performed as an outpatient treatment and is ideal for patients whose floaters are bothersome but not severe enough to require surgery.
For more information about floaters, please visit: Floaters.
3. Therapeutic Refractive Vitrectomy (TRV)
For patients with severe or persistent floaters that cannot be treated with YAG Laser Floater Treatment, Therapeutic Refractive Vitrectomy (TRV) is the most effective option. This surgical approach, developed and refined by Prof. Stanga and his team, is a transformative solution for restoring vision clarity in cases where other treatments are unsuitable or ineffective.
- How it works:
TRV involves the removal of the central vitreous gel containing the floaters while leaving the peripheral vitreous intact. The removed vitreous is replaced with a clear solution, restoring optical clarity and eliminating visual disturbances. - Minimising surgical risks:
TRV is performed using the latest surgical technologies in our dedicated onsite theatre at The Retina Clinic London. The procedure has been carefully designed to minimise the time spent inside the eye, reducing the risk of surgical complications such as infection or retinal tears. - Who it is best for:
TRV is ideal for:
– Patients with severe floaters that cause significant visual disturbances and cannot be treated with YAG Laser Floater Treatment.
– Individuals with diffuse or widespread floaters that interfere with essential tasks such as reading, driving, or screen use. - Our expertise:
Prof. Stanga and his team are pioneers in floater research and treatment. They have introduced TRV and the SK-VFO testing methodology, which allows for objective assessment of floater impact, ensuring precision and patient-specific care. Our research on TRV has been published in the prestigious RETINA journal.
To learn more about this groundbreaking treatment, visit our publication here: Therapeutic Refractive Vitrectomy.
At The Retina Clinic London, we combine advanced diagnostic tools, state-of-the-art surgical techniques, and ongoing academic research to provide exceptional care for patients with Vitreous Floaters and Opacities. If floaters are affecting your vision, we are here to help.
Learn more about floaters here: Floaters. Contact us today to book a consultation with our expert team.
