PurposeQuantifying the subjective impairment due to floaters based on an indication-specific questionnaire and setting its change between prior to and 3/12 months after elective vitrectomy in relation to surgical risks.MethodsSingle-arm longitudinal… Click to show full abstract
PurposeQuantifying the subjective impairment due to floaters based on an indication-specific questionnaire and setting its change between prior to and 3/12 months after elective vitrectomy in relation to surgical risks.MethodsSingle-arm longitudinal observational multicenter study. Sixty-four floater patients underwent 23G pars plana vitrectomy; simultaneous phacoemulsification was excluded. An overall self-rated impairment index (SRI) and sub-indices SRI were calculated on the basis of a modified Visual Quality of Life questionnaire (VQoL), which addresses general vision, glare, near-sight problems and mobility of floaters. SRI ranged from 0 to 100% (maximum impairment). Secondary endpoints included corrected visual acuity and complications.ResultsData were collected prior to and 3 (n = 64) and 12 (n = 62) months after surgery. The median overall SRI improved (44, 12, 11%) with a statistically significant median reduction of 69% (95% confidence interval 50–89%) 3 months postop. The median sub-SRIs improved for glare (50, 17, 17%), near sight problems (50, 17, 8%), and mobility of floaters (43, 5, 0%). Sixteen eyes needed cataract surgery during follow-up (10 showed cataract already prior to vitrectomy). Eight complications were reported (6 intra-operative retinal holes, 2 post-operative retinal detachments).ConclusionFor the majority of floater patients, subjective impairment was profoundly reduced by vitrectomy. Benefits of surgery prevailed despite complications.
               
Click one of the above tabs to view related content.