Outcomes of phacoemulsification in previously vitrectomized eyes

Aim: To describe and determine the intraoperative and postoperative complications stemming from technical difficulties and anatomical aspects of patients undergoing phacoemulsification after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, thirty individual eyes who presented with cataract in a previously vitrectomized eye were analyzed. The indications for PPV, operative details of PPV, and postoperative complications were noted. The best-corrected visual acuity after vitrectomy, type of lens opacity that developed following PPV, visual acuity immediately prior to cataract surgery, duration between PPV and subsequent cataract extraction, estimated intraocular lens (IOL) power, formula used for calculating the IOL power, IOL type, intraoperative complications, best final visual acuity following phacoemulsification, and finally the incidence of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet capsulotomy were noted. Statistical Analysis: SPSS for Windows, version 11.0.1, and Microsoft Excel 2007 were used. Chi-square test was used to compare complication rates. Results: Overall 86% of the eyes had improved visual acuity post cataract surgery, 11% remained the same, and 3% of it worsened. Intraoperatively, small pupil, deepening of the anterior chamber, bowing of iris–lens diaphragm, difficulty in capsulorrhexis, and presence of posterior-capsular plaque were noted. Posterior-capsule opacification was the most common late postoperative complication. Conclusion: Although challenging, with prior knowledge regarding vitrectomized eyes, such cases can be performed safely and complication rates are acceptably low.