Can LASIK cause floaters?

You’re thinking about getting LASIK. You’ve heard about the life-changing benefits—clear vision without glasses or contact lenses. But then you stumble upon something online: Can LASIK cause floaters? Now, you’re wondering if this is something you should be worried about.

Let’s clear things up. LASIK does not cause floaters, but it can make you notice them more. Here’s why.

What are floaters?

Floaters are tiny specks, dots, or cobweb-like shapes that drift across your vision. They’re actually small clumps of protein or gel in the vitreous—the clear, jelly-like substance inside your eye. These clumps cast shadows on your retina, which is why you see them.

Floaters are incredibly common, especially as you get older. Many people have them but don’t always notice them—until something changes with their vision.

Why do people notice floaters after LASIK?

LASIK reshapes the cornea to correct vision, but it doesn’t touch the vitreous (where floaters exist). However, after LASIK, your vision is sharper and clearer, meaning floaters that were already there may suddenly become more noticeable.

Think of it like cleaning a dirty window. When the glass is smudged, you don’t notice tiny specks of dust outside. But once it’s spotless, those little specks stand out.

Can LASIK make floaters worse?

In most cases, no. LASIK does not increase the number of floaters. However, in rare situations, the suction from the LASIK procedure may trigger a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD).

A PVD happens when the vitreous gel inside your eye pulls away from the retina. This is a normal part of aging, but LASIK may accelerate the process in some people. Signs of a PVD include:

• A sudden increase in floaters
• Flashes of light in your side vision
• A shadow or curtain effect (which could indicate a retinal tear).

Most PVDs are harmless, but if you experience these symptoms, see an eye doctor right away.

Will floaters go away?

Most of the time, floaters fade over time as your brain learns to ignore them. In the rare case that they interfere with daily life, treatments like laser vitreolysis or vitrectomy can help. However, these are usually only needed in extreme cases.

Should you worry about floaters before LASIK?

For the vast majority of people, floaters are not a reason to avoid LASIK. If you already notice floaters, discuss them with your eye surgeon during your consultation. They can check your retina to make sure everything looks healthy before moving forward.

LASIK doesn’t cause floaters, but it can make existing ones more noticeable. If you’re concerned about floaters, book a free video call to discuss this further.