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: Researchers are testing the use of femtosecond lasers, which utilize shorter pulse lengths to reduce the total energy introduced into the eye, thereby minimizing heat-related complications.
As the technical work concluded, the XFloater team conducted a major clinical study to understand patient perspectives and refine their approach. From August 2022 to November 2023, the project's researchers, led by Leonie Rynko and her team at the LZH, carried out a comprehensive online survey. A total of participated, with 1,384 of them reconstructing their field of vision by mapping a total of 10,571 individual floaters .
The XFloater Project: Revolutionizing the Treatment of Eye Floaters
[Pre-clinical Research & Benchtop Testing] │ ▼ [Clinical Survey & Parameter Mapping] (Current Status / Open Data Sharing) │ ▼ [Partnership for Medical Device Engineering] (Ongoing Industry Collaborations) │ ▼ [Human Clinical Trials]
Floaters scatter light as it enters the eye. This forward light scatter decreases a patient's contrast sensitivity, making reading and driving difficult.
Historically, patients dealing with debilitating floaters faced a frustrating lack of safe clinical solutions. The XFloater project directly responds to the severe limitations and risks associated with standard care protocols.
: High precision allows the laser to treat floaters located closer to the retina, which is currently too dangerous for standard YAG lasers . Project Timeline and Collaboration
Until now, many doctors advised patients to "live with" their floaters because the only definitive solution, a vitrectomy (surgical removal of the vitreous), carries substantial risks.
The XFloater project aims to bridge this gap by refining the technology to be both highly effective at reducing opacity and safe for the surrounding, delicate retina. Objectives and Research Focus of XFloater
Prior to the technological framework introduced by XFloater, patients with debilitating floaters had to choose between two main options, both carrying notable safety risks.
The XFloater project completed its foundational phase as an exploratory research project. While the technology demonstrates strong theoretical and benchtop potential for safer eye surgery, it is not yet available in public clinical clinics.
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Clear vision – project for safer laser treatment of floaters started