Abstract
Purpose:
To evaluate the effect of symptomatic vitreous opacities on mean retinal sensitivity as measured on fundus microperimetry (MP-1).
Methods:
Ten consecutive patients with symptomatic vitreous opacities (SVO) who underwent 23G pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) (Constellation, Alcon, TX) for removal of SVOs were reviewed. All eyes with retinal pathology were excluded. MP-1 mean retinal sensitivity (MRS) testing (Spectral OCT-SLO combined imaging system, Optos North America, FL) was performed on all patients one week prior to and one week following PPV for SVO removal.
Results:
10 eyes of 10 patients were reviewed. Four eyes were excluded from the study. One for inactive serpiginous chorioretinitis, one for a significant epiretinal membrane, one for prior treatment of cystoid macular edema, and one for evidence of dry macular degeneration. The remaining six eyes met the inclusion criteria. 6 out of 6 (100%) eyes had an increase in MRS following removal of the SVO. Mean MRS prior to PPV was 403 (out of possible 560) db. Mean MRS following surgery was 429.33 (out of possible 560) db. Mean improvement in MRS after PPV was 26.33 db.
Conclusions:
Symptomatic floaters occur as the vitreous gel degenerates with age. While many patients are affected by floaters, historically there has not been an objective way of measuring the effect of vitreous opacities on visual function. MP-1 may be a useful tool in quantifying the effect of SVO on MRS. Specifically, this study showed that SVO may adversely affect MRS. Likewise, MP-1 may be a useful tool to demonstrate visual function improvement in patients following PPV for SVO. Additional larger prospective randomized studies are needed.
Keywords: 763 vitreous •
762 vitreoretinal surgery