Abstract
Purpose: :
To evaluate the subjective and objective improvement in vision and quality of life (QOL) following small gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for symptomatic vitreous floaters/debris.
Methods: :
Retrospective review of 175 eyes (110 patients) who underwent 25 gauge PPV for symptomatic vitreous floaters/debris between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2010. Preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure, phakic status, iatrogenic tears, complications, and patient’s subjective QOL status via a modified nine question survey were measured at 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year intervals.
Results: :
Preoperatively, all patients complained of difficulty reading, computer use, or driving affecting their QOL due to severe vitreous debris. No major complications (retinal detachment, endophthalmitis, vitreous hemorrhage, glaucoma, hypotony) occurred. Postoperative CME developed in 1/175 (<1%) eye, which resolved over 3 months. 166/175 eyes (95%) had stable or improved vision, while 169/175 (97%) had complete resolution of all vitreous floaters/debris. The nine question survey showed improved QOL in 172/175 (98%) of patients.
Conclusions: :
Patients experienced an improvement in objective and subjective visual acuity following PPV for symptomatic vitreous floaters/debris (with a low complication rate). Small gauge PPV should be considered as a viable alternative for patients with impaired QOL due to symptomatic vitreous floaters/debris.
Keywords: vitreoretinal surgery • vitreous • retina