Vitrectomy as a Treatment for Vitreous Floaters: A Review
10.21561/jor.2025.10.2.127
- Author:
Jiwon BAEK
;
Seung Min LEE
;
Yong-Sok JI
;
Un Chul PARK
;
Kyu Hyung PARK
;
- Publication Type:REVIEW ARTICLE
- From:
Journal of Retina
2025;10(2):127-134
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Vitreous floaters are a common ophthalmic symptom caused by age-related vitreous degeneration, trauma, or other ocular conditions.Patients typically describe floaters as moving shadows or thread-like opacities in their visual field, which can cause significant visual and psychological discomfort. While most cases improve over time through natural neuroadaptation, some patients experience persistent symptoms that impact quality of life and seek active treatment. Despite various therapeutic attempts—including Nd:YAG vitreolysis, pharmacologic vitreolysis, and pars plana vitrectomy (PPV)—no standardized treatment guideline has been established. Among those proposed, PPV is the most direct method to remove floaters, but it poses considerable risks, including cataract formation, retinal tears, retinal detachment, and endophthalmitis. Additionally, its subjective efficacy raises concerns about inconsistent outcomes. This review explores the pathophysiology of vitreous changes leading to floaters and critically evaluates the efficacy and safety of PPV for floater treatment based on current literature and the results of a survey conducted by the Korean Retina Society. The survey indicates that most specialists prefer observation and patient counseling over surgery, citing high complication risks, limited benefits, and ethical concerns.Floater management should prioritize conservative approaches, and PPV should be considered only in highly selected cases following thorough evaluation and counseling. Continued research into safer and more effective treatments is essential for addressing this common yet complex clinical issue.
