Unlike standard YAG lasers, femtosecond lasers emit light in ultra-short bursts measured in quadrillionths of a second. This incredibly compressed timeframe allows the laser to disrupt tissues using a fraction of the energy required by older systems, dramatically lowering the thermal impact on surrounding eye tissue. 2. OCT-Guided Navigation
Clear vision – project for safer laser treatment of floaters started xfloater project
In response to this need, the was launched as a collaborative German research initiative, officially named "Mouches volantes: OCT-Erfassung und UKP-Laser Therapie." The project was funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action as part of the Industrial Collective Research (IGF) program, receiving a grant of €249,714 and ran from February 2020 to October 2022 . Unlike standard YAG lasers, femtosecond lasers emit light
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. OCT-Guided Navigation Clear vision – project for safer
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.
The initiative is a collaborative effort led by the and is supported by a diverse advisory board, including Hannover Medical School (MHH) and several specialized medical technology companies. It is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Action under the Industrial Collective Research (IGF) program. Why It Matters: Addressing Vision-Degrading Myodesopsia
Eye floaters occur as the vitreous humor—the gel-like substance inside the eye—ages, shrinks, and forms microscopic collagen clumps. These clumps cast shadows on the retina, causing individuals to perceive spots, threads, or cobweb-like shapes.