One-year follow-up of patients after yttrium aluminum garnet laser vitreolysis for vitreous floaters

Abstract

Background: This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy, complications, and patient satisfaction and follow-up for 1 year after neodymium yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser vitreolysis for visually disturbing vitreous floaters. Aims: To evaluate the role of Nd:YAG laser vitreolysis in visually disturbing vitreous floaters. Settings and Design: This was an institutional, observational, cross-sectional retrospective study. Subjects and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted on 86 eyes of 71 patients suffering from persistent vitreous floaters with complete posterior vitreous detachment who underwent laser vitreolysis with the Ultra Q Reflex™ (Ellex Medical Lasers, Adelaide, Australia), in the first half of 2015. Follow-up was done for 1 year. Patient satisfaction was graded from 0% to 100%. Laser settings and complications were recorded. Results: Average subjective symptomatic improvement was 66.23%; 44.2% of patients reported excellent satisfaction (75%–100%) and 32.6% reported good satisfaction (50%–74%). 45.3% of patients required 3–4 sessions. Average power setting was 5.3 mJ. One case of iatrogenic cataract treated by phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation occurred. Another case suffered limited vitreous hemorrhage which completely resolved. Conclusions: Laser vitreolysis is a safe, effective method for the treatment of symptomatic visually disturbing floaters.