Posters
Impact on patient satisfaction with laser vitreolysis in a general ophthalmology community
Poster Details
First Author: I. Singh UNITED STATES
Co Author(s):
Abstract Details
Purpose:
To assess the safety, treatment specifics and impact on patient satisfaction of laser vitreolysis for the treatment of symptomatic floaters in an office setting.
Setting:
The Eye Centres of Racine and Kenosha, United States of America
Methods:
This retrospective, observational study included 296 (n=198 patients) eyes (mean age, 66 years [38 to 89 years]) presenting with floaters who underwent laser vitreolysis with the Ultra Q Reflex™ system (Ellex, Australia), a neodymium-doped (Nd) YAG laser in an office outpatient setting. Patient satisfaction was assessed with a 1-10 self-rated scale, with higher values indicating greater patient satisfaction as well as a “Yes” or “No” indicating whether they were satisfied with improvement in daily functioning. Information on complications was recorded for all patients.
Results:
93% (n=184 patients) answered “yes” when asked if they were satisfied with their improvement in daily visual functioning. The noted average degree of improvement was 8.2 out of 10.
On average, patients with Weiss rings required 1.14 sessions (average time of 6 minutes) to vaporise the floater, compared to 3.2 sessions (average of 11 minutes) in patients with amorphous clouds. The number of laser shots needed to sufficiently vaporise floaters averaged around 315. Power settings varied depending on the floaters and ranged from 2.8mJ – 7.5mJ. Best results and higher satisfaction scores were seen with solitary “Weiss rings” versus amorphous “clouds”.
Conclusions:
The findings of this preliminary study demonstrate that laser vitreolysis is associated with a high degree of patient satisfaction and low complication rates. The favourable risk/benefit ratio associated with this procedure allows it to be considered as a first-line treatment for symptomatic floaters.
Financial Disclosure:
NONE
