About eye floaters

I have had floaters since I was very young.  When i was 27 suddenly i noticed that they got a lot more.  I went to see a lot of ophthalmologists and they said that there was nothing they can do about it, and that my eyes were fine other than that, and to forget about them.  Now I am 43, and I just read that there is a laser surgery for floaters.  Can you please give me some more information about it?  Also I would like to know the risk factor, and some numbers if possible, like how many times it's been performed, and the results.  


Thank you

Costa.

[Flavius G Pernoud III, MD]

I looked this up several years ago for a patient and did find one doctor in the U.S. who was zapping floaters with a laser. Sounded dangerous to me because unless you have had a cataract removed you have to shoot the laser through your natural lens and you could cause damage. Also, most floaters are too small for the doctor to see. So how do you laser them if you cant see them. Also, the floaters, if visually disturbing are often close to the retina. Do you think the laser stops at the floater? No, it also hits the retina. Forget it.