Novel Vitrectomy Technique Using Ocular Ultrasound for Vitreous Floaters

Objective: Limited Vitrectomy (CV) has a high chance of recurrence of floater symptoms. We evaluated the effectiveness and safety of a novel technique of vitrectomy: limited vitrectomy and selective removal of anterior vitreous opacities using 20 Megahertz (MHz) ocular ultrasound for vitreous floaters. Methods: We included 175 eyes of 101 participants who underwent the phacoemulsification with multifocal intraocular lens insertion. Participants were divided into 3 groups: novel vitrectomy (SV), CV and control groups. They were followed up at postoperative 1, 3 and 6 months. Visual Acuity (VA), Spherical Equivalent (SE), Intraocular Pressure (IOP), Contrast Sensitivity Function (CSF) and Patient Satisfaction (PS) were compared between the SV and CV groups. PS and national eye institute-validated visual function questionnaire-39 (NEI VFQ-39) composite scores were assessed. Comparison was performed using the independent Student’s t-test and Fisher’s exact test. Results: Best corrected VA was not significantly different in both groups. SE was significantly better in the SV group than in the CV group at 6 months postoperatively. There was no significant difference in IOP between both groups at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. The SV group had significantly better CSF than the CV group. The PS was higher in the SV group than in the CV group at 3 and 6 months postoperatively, based on the NEI VFQ-39 composite scores. There were no complications in the SV group. Endophthalmitis (n=1) and retinal detachment (n=1) occurred in the CV group. Conclusion: The novel 25-gauge CV combined with selectively peripheral and anterior vitrectomy using 20 MHz ocular ultrasound is a more effective and safer procedure compared with simple CV.