Combined Cataract and Vitrectomy Surgery

Combined cataract surgery and vitrectomy is a safe and effective approach in the management of a significant proportion of eyes requiring vitreoretinal intervention. However, not all eyes with vitreoretinal pathology are suitable for combined surgery. Sensible case selection will minimise technical difficulties and non-optimal outcomes. Surgical approach and technique do require some modification and forethought to enable surgery to proceed smoothly, and to overcome specific complications of combined surgery. Alternative approaches of sequential rather than combined surgery do have their place. There are clear health economic benefits when combined surgery can be performed.