Enhanced multimedia education reduces anxiety by 4.13 points more than standard care in vitreous floatersMultimedia Education Reduces Anxiety for Patients with Vitreous Floaters

Frontiers in Medicine Published June 9, 2026 DOI ↗ Editorial oversight: Dr. Sofia Müller, MD · Lifespan & Whole-Person Care

AI-generated summary of the cited source, checked by automated accuracy review. How we work

Key Takeaway

Consider enhanced multimedia education as a more effective method than standard care for reducing anxiety in vitreous floaters.

This quasi-randomized controlled study enrolled 309 patients presenting with symptomatic vitreous floaters (VF) to evaluate the impact of educational interventions on patient anxiety and quality of life. The primary outcome was measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-state) over a 3-month follow-up period.

The intervention group received enhanced multimedia education, while the comparator group received standard care. Results showed significant reductions in anxiety for both groups. However, the multimedia group demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in STAI-state scores compared to the standard care group (difference of -4.13; 95% CI: -5.21 to -3.05, p < 0.001). Specifically, the multimedia group saw a reduction of -5.22 compared to -1.09 in the standard care group.

Secondary outcomes included visual-related quality of life (VRQoL), where no significant between-group differences were observed. Safety data and adverse events were not reported. The study design is quasi-randomized, which limits the ability to establish definitive causation. These findings suggest that structured multimedia education may be more effective than standard counseling for managing anxiety in patients with vitreous floaters.

Researchers studied 309 patients who experienced symptoms from vitreous floaters. The goal was to see if different types of information helped manage the anxiety that often comes with these visual disturbances.

The study compared two groups: one received standard care while the other received enhanced multimedia education. Results showed that both groups saw a decrease in anxiety levels, but those who used the multimedia materials experienced a significantly greater reduction in stress than those receiving standard care.

While anxiety improved for many, there was no significant difference between the groups regarding overall quality of life related to vision. Because this was a quasi-randomized study with a moderate level of certainty, it is not definitive proof that multimedia is the only way to manage symptoms. However, it suggests that structured digital tools can be a helpful addition for patients dealing with floaters.

What this means for you:

Multimedia education may help reduce anxiety in people with vitreous floaters compared to standard care.

Study Details

Study typeRct

EvidenceLevel 2

PublishedJun 2026

View Original Abstract ↓

BackgroundVitreous floaters (VF) are common and typically benign but may cause significant anxiety due to misinterpretation of symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of structured multimedia health education in reducing anxiety among patients with VF and to identify factors associated with anxiety severity.MethodsThis prospective quasi-randomized controlled study was conducted between December 2023 and April 2025. Patients with symptomatic VF were allocated to an enhanced multimedia education group or a standard care group based on calendar week. Anxiety was assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-state), and visual-related quality of life (VRQoL) was measured using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI VFQ-25) at baseline and 3 months. Between-group differences in STAI-state change (ΔSTAI-state) were analyzed, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was performed adjusting for baseline values. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with moderate-to-severe anxiety.ResultsA total of 309 participants completed the study. Both groups showed significant reductions in STAI-state scores; however, the reduction was significantly greater in the multimedia group (ΔSTAI-state: −5.22 vs. −1.09), with a between-group difference of −4.13 (95% CI: −5.21 to −3.05, p < 0.001). ANCOVA confirmed significantly lower follow-up anxiety levels in the intervention group (p < 0.001). No significant between-group differences were observed in VRQoL. Patients with higher education levels exhibited greater anxiety reduction. Factors such as older age, higher education, higher trait anxiety, and diabetes were independently associated with moderate-to-severe anxiety.ConclusionsStructured multimedia health education is more effective than standard counseling in reducing anxiety among patients with VF. These findings highlight the importance of optimized physician–patient communication as a non-invasive strategy to address psychological distress in benign ophthalmic conditions.

Enhanced multimedia education reduces anxiety by 4.13 points more than standard care in vitreous floatersMultimedia Education Reduces Anxiety for Patients with Vitreous Floaters

Study Details

Primary community health care nurses improve patient outcomes and reduce costs compared to medical practitioners

Meta-analysis shows primary care nurses improve health and save money compared to medical practitioners

Clinical research that matters. Delivered to your inbox.

Enhanced multimedia education reduces anxiety by 4.13 points more than standard care in vitreous floatersMultimedia Education Reduces Anxiety for Patients with Vitreous Floaters

More on Anxiety

Study Details

Primary community health care nurses improve patient outcomes and reduce costs compared to medical practitioners

Meta-analysis shows primary care nurses improve health and save money compared to medical practitioners

Clinical research that matters. Delivered to your inbox.

Related in Primary Care & Family Medicine

From Other Specialties