Efficacy and safety of Nd: YAG laser vitreolysis in patients with physiological vitreous floaters.

PURPOSE: To observe the clinical effects of Nd: YAG laser vitreolysis in patients with physiological vitreous floaters by A/B ultrasound and infrared fundus photography., and to evaluate the safety of the treatment by ffERG.

METHODS

Thirty eyes diagnosed with physiological vitreous floaters were enrolled. Examination of BCVA, IOP, SLO, A/B ultrasound, infrared fundus photography and ffERG were performed. The vitreolysis was performed for all patients by the same skilled doctor using an ELLEX YAG laser vitreolysis machine. The IOP was measured half an hour after the operation. After treatment, the patients were followed up at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month. At follow-up, the same thorough examination as before the operation was performed. ImageJ software was used to measure the size of the vitreous floaters in the infrared fundus photography pictures before and after treatment.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in BCVA and IOP before and after treatment (p > 0.05). Infrared fundus photography showed that the vitreous floaters were obviously reduced or disappeared after treatment, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.01). The latent period and amplitude of the five response waves of ffERG at each timepoint were compared before and after treatment, and there was no significant difference (P > 0.05). Ultra-wide angle SLO showed no severe complications in the vitreous or retina after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

In short-term observations, Nd: YAG laser vitreolysis is safe and effective for the treatment of vitreous floaters and can be promoted clinically.