Curcumin-Based Supplement for Vitreous Floaters Post-Nd:YAG Capsulotomy: A Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Nutritional Science
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Symptomatic vitreous floaters (SVFs) can occur after Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy.
• Evaluating non-invasive treatments for post-procedural SVFs is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the short-term efficacy of a dietary supplement on SVFs post-Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy.
• To evaluate the supplement's impact on visual function and patient-reported outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial with 40 participants experiencing SVFs.
• Treatment group received oral supplement plus standard therapy; control group received standard therapy only.
• Outcomes measured included visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, subjective questionnaires, and novel ultrasound-based vitreous evaluations (MVP, MGI).

Main Results:

• The treatment group showed significant improvements in contrast sensitivity, floater perception, daily activity interference, foreign body sensation, MVP, and MGI compared to the control group.
• Best-corrected visual acuity remained comparable between groups.
• The dietary supplement was well-tolerated.

Conclusions:

• Short-term oral supplementation with vitreous-specific nutrients effectively reduces SVFs and associated symptoms after Nd:YAG capsulotomy.
• This nutritional approach may offer a promising non-invasive therapeutic option for managing post-Nd:YAG capsulotomy SVFs.