YAG Laser Vitreolysis
A selective outpatient Nd:YAG laser option for carefully screened symptomatic vitreous opacities.
Vitreous laser vitreolysis uses precisely focused Nd:YAG laser energy on vitreous opacities (floaters), vaporizing them into tiny gas bubbles or fragmenting them into smaller particles. The technique tends to work best for large, well-defined Weiss ring-type opacities. It is not routine first-line treatment for floaters; whether it is worth attempting depends on symptom severity, opacity location, safety distance, and operator experience. Not all floaters are amenable to laser treatment, and adequate distance from both the retina and lens is required before treatment can be considered. Typically 1-3 sessions are used to judge benefit.
Quick Reference
Treatment
15 mins – 30 mins
Observation
30 mins – 1 hours
Est. Cost
¥875.7 – ¥3,210.9
Department
Ophthalmology
Who Is This For
Is YAG Laser Vitreolysis Right for You?
Good Candidates
- After careful specialist assessment, large floaters (especially Weiss rings) severely impacting quality of life
- Well-defined opacities >2mm from retina/lens
- Patients preferring to avoid vitrectomy
May Not Be Suitable
- Diffuse tiny floaters (difficult to focus laser)
- Opacities too close to retina or lens (insufficient safety distance)
- Concurrent retinal pathology requiring treatment first
Step-by-Step Process
How YAG Laser Vitreolysis Works
Pupil dilation
Full dilation for observation and treatment access.
Topical anesthesia
Anesthetic eye drops applied.
Contact lens placement
Specialized vitreous laser contact lens placed.
Laser vitreolysis
Focus YAG laser on opacity, firing 3-5mJ per pulse, gradually vaporizing or fragmenting the floater. 200-600 shots per session.
Observation
Post-treatment observation for 30 minutes with IOP measurement.
Typically 1-3 sessions, spaced 1-4 weeks apart.
Cost Information
Cost Estimate for YAG Laser Vitreolysis
Estimated Price Range
¥875.7 – ¥3,210.9
What's Included
Public tier-3A International Medical Department: approximately ¥6,000-12,000 per session; premium private eye centers: approximately ¥12,000-22,000 per session. Typically 1-3 sessions needed; total cost multiplied by number of treatments.
Before Your Visit
What to Prepare
Required Tests & Examinations
If you already have recent valid test results, bring the reports. If not, these assessments can usually be completed in China before the procedure.
Dilated fundus examination (rule out retinal pathology)
Slit-lamp biomicroscopy (assess opacity characteristics and position)
OCT examination
Documents & Materials to Bring
Required to Bring
Passport and valid visa
After Treatment
Recovery & Follow-Up
May see small bubbles briefly after treatment, dissolving within days
Floaters may temporarily seem worse (fragments) for days to weeks
Normal activities same day
Seek immediate care if flashes or sudden increase in floaters occur
Follow-Up Schedule
Follow-up 1 week after each session to assess results and determine if additional treatment is needed.
Related Conditions
Conditions This Procedure Treats
Ready to Plan YAG Laser Vitreolysis in China?
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Frequently Asked Questions
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