Phacoemulsification in previously vitrectomized patients: an analysis of the surgical results in 100 eyes as well as the factors contributing to the cataract formation

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of phacoemulsification with clear corneal incision in previously vitrectomized patients as well as factors affecting the development time and type of cataract occurring after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV).

Methods: The authors conducted a prospective study of 100 consecutive eyes of patients who developed a cataract after PPV. Three groups were established based on the underlying vitreoretinal pathology. The main outcome measurements were intraoperative and postoperative complications and changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA).

Results: The median interval between PPV and phacoemulsification was 11.5 months. Patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy required phacoemulsification earlier (p=0.018). Posterior subcapsular cataracts developed more frequently in patients <50 years (73.7%, p=0.000) and affected those who underwent vitrectomy primarily for complicated retinal detachment (48.8%, p=0.046). Intraoperative complications included posterior capsular tears (4%), luxated nucleus into vitreous (2%), and zonular dialysis (5%). Postoperative complications were vitreous hemorrhage (6%), retinal redetachment (4%), pupillary synechiae (6%), ocular hypertension (4%), and Seidel phenomenon (3%). Posterior Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy was required in 44% of eyes. BCVA was improved in 85% of cases at the end of follow-up (median, 15.5 months). Twenty-one patients with one functioning eye (61.9%) demonstrated visual improvement compared with 79 patients with bilateral vision (91.1%; p=0.003).

Conclusions: The technique allows stable improvement in BCVA through long follow-ups. It is more risky than in nonvitrectomized eyes. The visual results after phacoemulsification in vitrectomized eyes seem to be limited by retinal comorbidity and surgical complications.