Small-Gauge Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Visually Significant Vitreous Floaters
Samantha Fink1, Jaya B Kumar1, Matthew A Cunningham1
1Florida Retina Institute, Orlando, FL, USA.
Journal of Vitreoretinal Diseases
|April 3, 2023
Summary
Small-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) effectively treats visually significant vitreous floaters, improving vision and safety. Many patients opt for surgery in the second eye due to positive outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Surgery
Background:
- Vitreous floaters can significantly impair vision and quality of life.
- Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) is a surgical option for severe cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of small-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for visually significant vitreous floaters.
- To assess complication rates and the rate of second-eye surgery for this indication.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective, interventional case series of patients undergoing PPV for floaters.
- Data collected from September 2014 to December 2018 at a high-volume vitreoretinal practice.
- Evaluation of preoperative visual acuity (VA), complication rates, and visual outcomes.
Main Results:
- 104 eyes in 81 patients underwent PPV; 43.2% had bilateral surgery.
- Mean VA improved from 0.16 logMAR to 0.12 logMAR (P = .008).
- 93.3% achieved VA of 20/40 or better; complication rate (vitreous hemorrhage) was 0.96% with no retinal tears or endophthalmitis.
Conclusions:
- Small-gauge PPV is safe and effective for carefully selected patients with visually significant floaters.
- Significant improvement in visual acuity was observed post-surgery.
- High rate of bilateral procedures suggests patient satisfaction and efficacy.
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