To evaluate the short-term clinical results and safety of Ultra Q neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser treatment for vitreous floaters.

The present study included 31 eyes of 31 patients with symptomatic floaters lasting more than 3 months. The vitreous floaters were photodisrupted using Ultra Q Nd:YAG laser. Preoperative and postoperative best corrected visual activity (BCVA) and intraocular pressure, change of the floater, patient satisfaction and postoperative complications were analyzed prospectively.

There was no significant difference between preoperative and postoperative BCVA and intraocular pressure ( p > 0.05). Vitreous floaters were not found in 9 eyes (29.03%), decreased floaters were observed in 19 eyes (61.29%) and definite change of floaters was not observed in 3 eyes (9.68%). Patient satisfaction after the laser treatment was very satisfied in 11 eyes (35.48%) and satisfied in 20 eyes (64.58%). Satisfaction in Weiss ring type of the floater was the highest, very satisfied in 6 of the 8 eyes (75%) and vitreous floaters were not observed in 7 of the 8 eyes (87.50%). Postoperative complications were not observed during a follow-up period of at least 3 months.

Ultra Q Nd:YAG laser was an effective and safe treatment for the vitreous floaters in this short-term study.