Background: The symptoms of patients with vitreous floaters are frequently underestimated, leading to no intervention. The majority of patients who have floaters receive conservative therapy that includes patient education and reassurance. On the other hand, more severe instances can necessitate pars plana vitrectomy or YAG laser vitreolysis. The potential for conducting vitreolysis using an Nd: YAG laser has arisen as an alternate therapy to avoid the complications of vitrectomy.
Aim of the study: the study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness profile of YAG laser vitreolysis as a modality of therapy for symptomatic vitreous floaters.
Patients and methods: A prospective study has been done on 50 eyes of 50 patients who had full posterior vitreous detachment and persistent vitreous floaters. The Ultra Q ReflexTM (Ellex Medical Lasers, Adelaide, Australia) was used to perform laser vitreolysis on patients. Follow‑up was done for 6 months. Patient satisfaction and complications were recorded.
Results: 6% of patients experienced treatment failure, compared to 14% of patients who reported complete success, 46% who reported significant success, and 34% who reported partial success. No complications were recorded in postoperative 6 months follow up period.
Conclusion: When used on carefully selected patients, YAG laser vitreolysis represents a safe and efficient therapy for symptomatic vitreous floaters.