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A comparison of Nd:YAG laser vitreolysis vs pars plana vitrectomy in eyes with vitreous floaters

Session Details

Session Title: Ocular pathologies and training and innovation

Session Date/Time: Monday 07/10/2013 | 08:00-10:00

Paper Time: 08:44

Venue: Emerald (First Floor)

First Author: : C.Van der Windt THE NETHERLANDS

Co Author(s): :                  

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To investigate the clinical safety and efficacy of Nd: YAG laser vitreolysis vsvitrectomy in patients with a prolonged history of floaters resulting in posterior vitreous detachment.

Setting:

Rivierenland Hospital, Tiel, the Netherlands

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of 100 eyes with a 9-month, or longer, history of floaters secondary to posterior vitreous detachment. Thirty-five eyes were treated with pars plans vitrectomy, while 65 eyes were treated with YAG laser vitreolysis. In the laser vitreolysis group, the treatment was performed using a Q-switched, Nd:YAG laser.

Results:

The average age of the patients was 55. There was a slightly lower rate of self-reported postoperative visual improvement among patients treated with the YAG laser than in those treated with vitrectomy, at respective rates of 80% and 90%.

Conclusions:

The results support the use of YAG laser vitreolysis for floater removal among patients with a history of floaters that are secondary to posterior vitreous detachment and persist for at least 9 months. Over a 10-year follow-up period, safety of the procedure was indicated by the absence of any complications among YAG-treated patients.

Financial Interest:

NONE