Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Retained Lens Fragments after Phacoemulsification

Pongsak Pachimkul M.D.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to review the benefits of pars plana vitrectomy with removal of retained lens fragments after phacoemulsification. The retrospective analysis of 73 patients who had posteriorly dislocated lens fragments after phacoemulsification during 3-year period between July 1, 1995 and June 30, 1998. Of these 73 eyes 23 (31%) had received pars plana vitrectomy at the time of cataract surgery, 15 (21%) was delayed vitrectomy between 1 to 4 weeks after cataract surgery and 42 (58%) untreated because of the lens materials resolved spontaneously. The visual outcome was 20/40 or better in 16 pateints (70%) in the immediated pars plana vitrectomy group, 8 patients (53%) in the delayed vitrectomy group and 15 patients (43%) in the untreated group. The complications from retained lens materials included glaucoma (14%), intraocular inflammation (27%), corneal edema (60%), retinal detachment (5%) and endophthalmitis (1%). The removal of retained lens fragments allows rapid visual restoration, reduced secondary glaucoma and enhanced the resolution of uveitis. The insertion of intraocular lens at the time of cataract surgery in the face of dislocated lens fragments is not contraindicated.

Thai J Ophthalmol 1999 ; January-June 13(1) : 45-54.