Laser Vitreolysis for Vitreous Opacities: A Prospective Study

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a YAG laser vitreolysis procedure used to remove bothersome vitreous opacities/floaters.

The prospective clinical study included 42 eyes of 35 patients (age 32-81 years) with vitreous opacities generating visual disturbances. All patients were treated using the Ellex - Ultra Q Reflex YAG laser and underwent a complete eye examination before the laser vitreolysis and at 1, 3 and 6 months after the intervention. Changes in corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), intraocular pressure (IOP) and patient’s subjective perception of disturbances were analysed.

The average number of laser shots was 118 (6 - 310 shots), with a total average energy of 3.8 mJ per laser shot (2.2 - 9 mJ). The laser intervention was performed only once in a total of 31 eyes (73.8%), whereas it was necessary to perform the intervention twice in 10 cases (23.8%). No significant differences in CDVA were detected during the whole follow-up (p>0.40). No significant changes were found either in CRT (p>0.32). Concerning IOP (p<0.001), it was reduced significantly immediately after the intervention, returning to the pre-intervention level afterwards. The analysis of the responses to the questionnaire revealed that there was a mean improvement in subjective visual symptoms according to patients of 71%. No complications were detected in the sample during the follow-up.

Laser vitreolysis is a minimally invasive treatment, allowing a complete or partial elimination of vitreous opacities and leading to alleviation of patient’s disturbances.