Outcomes Of Limited Vitreous Removal For Treatment Of Symptomatic Floaters Post Cataract Surgery Using A Novel Needle Tip Vitrector Without The Use Of Tracers

To evalaute the safety and efficacy of limited vitreous removal using a novel 27 guage needle vitrector using no trocars to treat symptomatic vitreous opacities in pseuophakic patients. 

Office based surgical suite in Kenosha Wisconsin, USA

This is a prospective single armed study of 62 eyes of 34 pseudophakic patients with symptomatic vitrous opacities. Limited vitreous removal was performed using the 1 Step 27 guage needle vitrector (VISTA Ophthalmics) attached to the Stellaris Elite Phaco unit (B+L). An AC maintiner was used with a sinlge 1.0 keratome incision. No trocars were used. 23 eyes had multifocal IOLs, 14 eys had an EDOF IOL, and 25 eyes had a standard monofocal IOL. 21 males and 13 females with an average age od 67 years. Eyes with with active retinal pathology, history of retinal defects or detachments, and glaucoma were excluded. VFQ25, IOP, HOA, fundus photography were performed pre op, week 1, month 1, and 3 months post op. 

Post op Va returned to baseline in 21/62 eyes POD#1, and all 62 eyes returned to baseline by POW#1.  Patient satisfaction was rated at 93% with 100% stating improvement in symptoms. iTrace HOA improved from an avergae of 0.24 down to 0.12, DLI improved from an avegage of 6.2 to 8.6. VFQ25 demonstrated improved general health, general vision, driving, and reading street signs.  Post op complications included 1 patient with a retinal detachment observed at 1 month treated with a PPV and endolaser. Va returned to baseline by the 3 month visit. IOP spike (greater thqan 10 mmHg) occured in 5/62 eyes with complete resolution by 1 month. No other adverse events were noted. Full detailed results will be presented. 

Limited vitreous removal appears to be a safe and efficacious treatment for pseudophakic patients suffering fromm symptomatic vitreous opacities.