Abstract
Aim: 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. Methods: 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.
Results: 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. Conclusion: Laser vitreolysis is a minimally invasive treatment, allowing a complete or partial elimination of vitreous opacities and leading to alleviation of patient's disturbances. (C) 2023 The Author(s).