Vitreous opacification after cataract extraction.

We performed pars plana vitrectomies on a consecutive series of 24 eyes in which nonhemorrhagic vitreous opacification was responsible for loss of visual acuity after cataract extraction. Twelve eyes were aphakic and the remainder were pseudophakic. Preoperative fluorescein angiograms were performed in 20 cases, and the results of all studies were within normal limits. Postoperatively, a restoration of clear media and an improvement in visual acuity occurred in all cases. Visual acuity was 20/20 or better postoperatively in 15 of 24 cases, and 22 of 24 achieved 20/30 or better. The remaining two cases improved to 20/40 and 20/50 from a preoperative level of 20/200 and 20/400, respectively. In carefully selected cases vitrectomy techniques provide an effective means of managing this syndrome.