Refractive results of phacoemulsification in vitrectomized patients

The aim of this study was to compare the refractive errors after uneventful phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation in the cases of vitrectomized eyes and non-vitrectomized eyes. Vitrectomized eyes were divided into 2 groups: vitrectomy alone as Group 1, vitrectomy with gas tamponade as Group 2. Normal-controlled eyes were categorized as Group 3. Intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation and the measurements of axial length (AL) and keratometric value (K) were performed using the IOLMaster and the Haigis and SRK/T formula as subgroup A and B. The measurements of AL, K, and IOL power calculation were also performed by the applanation ultrasound and the SRK/T formula as comparison subgroup C. The mean numeric error (MNE) and median absolute error (MedAE) were compared between Groups and subgroups. The MedAE was not significantly different in Group 1A, 2A, and 3A, respectively (p > 0.05). The MNE was significantly different in Group 1A, 2A, and 3A (p = 0.04). Post hoc test showed an insignificant difference between Group 1A and 3A (p = 0.36), but significantly a higher MNE in Group 2A than that in Group 3A (p = 0.03). A significantly longer AL was noted in Group 1B and 2B, comparing with Group 1C and 2C (p < 0.01). Refractive outcomes after phacoemulsification sequential to vitrectomy alone were comparable to those in normal control. Hyperopic shift was found following phacoemulsification sequential to vitrectomy with gas tamponade comparing to normal eyes. A significantly longer AL was found using optical biometry compared to applanation ultrasound in vitrectomized eyes, but not in normal eyes.