Outcomes of Cataract Surgery in Vitrectomized Eyes

Abstract

Pur po se: To evaluate the intraoperative complications and postoperative visual outcomes of phacoemulsification surgery for the secondary cataract in vitrectomized eyes. Ma te ri al and Met hod: We retrospectively evaluated 51 previously vitrectomized eyes of 51 patients who had undergone phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (PHACO+IOL) implantation surgery. PHACO+IOL surgery was performed in our clinic between October 2008 and May 2011. Intraoperative complications and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) outcomes were analyzed. Re sults: In this study, 31 out of 51 eyes had posterior subcapsular cataract. Cataract surgery was performed after a mean of 21.39±26.4 (6- 120, median 10.75) months following PPV. Mean preoperative and postoperative BCVA was measured to be 1.52±0.88 logMAR and 0.74±0.73 logMAR, respectively. In 25 eyes which had been filled with silicon oil, mean BCVA was 1.95±0.91 logMAR preoperatively and 1.15±0.84 logMAR postoperatively. In 18 (35.3%) eyes which had been filled with sulfur hexafluoride tamponade, mean BCVA was 1.17±0.47 logMAR preoperatively and 0.38±3.6 logMAR postoperatively. Peroperative zonular dialysis with instable deep anterior chamber occurred in two eyes, and posterior capsular tear occurred in one eye. Four eyes had Nd:YAG capsulotomy due to the posterior capsular opacity during the follow-up period. Dis cus si on: Despite the well-known difficulties encountered in vitrectomized eyes such as zonular weakness, increased mobility of the lens-iris diaphragm, posterior capsular instability and posterior capsular plaques, phacoemulsification in vitrectomized eyes proved to be a safe surgery, and increase in visual acuity can be achieved. (Turk J Ophthalmol 2013; 43: 23-6)

Keywords

• Complication
• phacoemulsification
• pars plana vitrectomy