A:

Ideally, RLE or CSx should be done (i.e., lens removed), first, prior to laser floater removal (LFR), since

              1) The floaters can be visualized more clearly after lens are removed and hence laser treatment more effective;

              2) LFR in an eye that has lens still in can CAUSE cataracts or even cause capsule to break (then one would need emergency cataract surgery rather than a well planned one).

              3) In 50% of the eyes that have had RLE or CSx, floaters can actually get worse, hence, one may then need 2nd LFR after RLE or CSx.

              4) In the remaining 50% of the eyes that have had RLE or CSx, floaters can actually get better (more settled so you no longer see it), hence, one may have avoided the pre-RLE/CSx LFR altogether!

Given these, one should have lens removed first, with RLE or CSx, and then, LFR (if needed).