Phacovitrectomy

Abstract

Recent advances in vitreoretinal surgical technology combined with advances in small-incision cataract surgery have enabled the ophthalmic surgeon to provide combined management of cataract and retinal pathology. Progressive understanding of the inevitability of cataract progression after pars plana vitrectomy along with the negative impact of early cataract progression on visual acuity outcomes have defined the importance of combined cataract surgery and pars plana vitrectomy in improving surgical outcomes. Combining phacoemulsification with intraocular lens placement with vitrectomy has now been shown to decrease visual rehabilitation time in patients with early/visually significant cataracts. These benefits are especially apparent when complex ocular pathology is present and clear visualization during surgery is needed. This report focuses on specific factors pertaining to combined surgery that include patient selection, mechanics of phacovitrectomy, and potential complications. The authors report that utilization of combined phacovitrectomy at their institution has had an outstanding success rate with 95% of the patients achieving 2-line or greater improvements in visual acuity within 6 weeks of surgery. Combined phacovitrectomy is associated with a significant reduction in overall healthcare costs that may become more important in this era of healthcare reform. Finally, rapid adoption of combined phacovitrectomy has occurred internationally, but remains delayed at most institutions in the USA.