Efficacy and Safety of Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Primary Symptomatic Floaters: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analyses

This study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) as treatment for patients with primary symptomatic vitreous floaters.

We searched 12 databases for studies performing PPV for primary symptomatic vitreous floaters with at least 3 months follow-up. Two authors reviewed the studies and extracted data. Our main outcome of interest was patient satisfaction/reduction of symptoms/quality of life, but other measures of efficacy and safety were also extracted. Where possible, meta-analyses were performed to provide summary estimates.

We identified 18 eligible studies, which included 2077 eyes of 1789 patients. Studies reported that at least 90% of the patients were satisfied or had relief of symptoms. Best corrected visual acuity improved - 0.08 logMAR (95% CI - 0.10 to - 0.06 logMAR, P < 0.0001). Contrast sensitivity improved - 2.26% (95% CI - 3.26 to - 1.26%, P < 0.0001). After surgery, cataract occurred in 31.7% (95% CI 21.7-42.7%), retinal tears/breaks in 2.92% (95% CI 1.38-4.97%), vitreous hemorrhage in 1.97% (95% CI 0.83-3.54%), macular edema in 1.70% (95% CI 0.84-2.83%), retinal detachment in 1.54% (95% CI 0.62-2.82%), glaucoma in 1.04% (95% CI 0.53-1.73%), and endophthalmitis in 0.18% (95% CI 0.02-0.45%).

Postoperative patient satisfaction is high after PPV for primary symptomatic vitreous floaters. However, the patient should be carefully counselled as what to expect from the treatment and understand the risks associated with PPV.