Pars plana vitrectomy for persistent, visually significant vitreous opacities

To evaluate the role of vitrectomy in patients with persistent, visually disabling vitreous opacities.

Six consecutive eyes of five men (age 58-66 years) with pseudophakia or aphakia and vitreous opacities resulting in visual symptoms for more than 1 year that underwent vitrectomy were retrospectively reviewed. Postoperative questionnaires regarding functional performance and quality-of-life issues were completed by the participants to assess subjective patient satisfaction.

Postoperative Snellen visual acuity was improved or equal to preoperative acuity in all cases (8-44 month follow-up) and there were no surgical complications. All patients expressed high satisfaction with overall visual function. Analysis of the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-39 indicated that general vision, near activities, distance activities, mental health, role difficulties, and peripheral vision were significantly improved (P < 0.05) following surgical intervention.

Vitrectomy may be indicated in a select group of patients with visually disabling vitreous floaters, although objective assessment of visual dysfunction from vitreous floaters requires further evaluation.