Long-term evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Nd:YAG laser vitreolysis for symptomatic vitreous floaters

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) vitreolysis for symptomatic vitreous floaters as it remains a controversial procedure due to insufficient robust evidence in the literature for the maintenance of the results and absence of adverse effects. Methods: This is an observational extension to the previously presented prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial. Eight of thirteen subjects who underwent vitreolysis with YAG laser returned for a late reevaluation, 18 months after the procedure, to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the procedure. Results: All patients maintained the improvement in symptomatology noted after the procedure, with 25% showing complete improvement and a similar proportion (37.5%) reporting significant or partial improvement. Objective improvement in opacity was similar to that found at 6 months follow-up. The NEI-VFQ 25 quality of life questionnaire showed no statistically significant difference in responses between the 6 th and 18 th month. No adverse effects were noted on clinical examination or reported by patients. Conclusion:Vitreolysis efficacy observed at 6 months of follow-up was maintained until the eighteenth month, with all patients reporting improvement from the pre-procedure state. No late adverse effects were noted. A larger randomized clinical trial is needed to confirm the safety of the procedure.

Efficacy and safety of early YAG laser vitreolysis for symptomatic vitreous floaters: the study protocol for a randomized clinical trial

“…Shah et al believed that Delaney used a low energy intensity when treating vitreous oaters with the YAG laser, only cutting rather than vaporizing the opacities, which resulted in poor therapeutic effects. A recent long-term follow-up study showed that the therapeutic effect of the YAG laser could be maintained for up to 18 months [7].…”

Design of a Functional Eye Dressing for Treatment of the Vitreous Floater

“…With the development of 3C (computer, consumer electronics, and communication) products and the increase in myopia, 15% of people aged 20–29 years will develop lymphadenopathy, indicating the gradual acceleration of the eye-aging rate. Lymphadenopathy refers to the presence of floating objects in the eye caused by thickened clumps of vitreous jelly [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ]. After the age of 40, the vitreous will become dense and gel-like, in which some denser bundles of collagen fibers form.…”