Longterm results after phacovitrectomy and foldable intraocular lens implantation.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the longterm results of phacovitrectomy and foldable intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in eyes with significant cataract and co-existing vitreoretinal diseases.

METHODS

We carried out a retrospective study of 186 eyes of 149 patients with various vitreoretinal abnormalities and visually significant cataracts. Vitreoretinal surgery was combined with phacoemulsification and foldable IOL implantation. Main outcome measures were visual acuity (VA), preoperative data, and intraoperative and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

The most common indications for surgery were non-diabetic vitreous haemorrhage and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Preoperative vision ranged from 0.6 to light perception; postoperative vision ranged from 1.2 to no light perception. Postoperatively, in 162 eyes (87.1%) VA improved by >or= 3 lines on the decimal chart. In 14 eyes (7.5%), vision remained within 3 lines of preoperative levels and in 10 eyes (5.3%), vision had decreased by the last follow-up. Postoperative complications included elevated intraocular pressure and posterior capsule opacification, corneal edema, macular edema, fibrinous reaction, vitreous hemorrhage, corneal epithelial defects, anterior chamber hyphema, choroidal detachment, persistent macular hole, posterior synechiae, recurrent retinal detachment, rubeosis iridis, neovascular glaucoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined vitreoretinal surgery and phacoemulsification with foldable IOL implantation is safe and effective in treating vitreoretinal abnormalities co-existing with cataract. Based on extensive experience with the combined procedure, we suggest that combined surgery is recommended in selected patients with simultaneous vitreoretinal pathological changes and cataract.