Clear visualization of anterior vitreous incarceration into cannulae during 25-gauge vitrectomy in eyes with asteroid hyalosis.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate anterior vitreous incarceration in the cannulae at 3 ports during 25-gauge vitrectomy in eyes with asteroid hyalosis.

METHODS

In 6 eyes with asteroid hyalosis, 3-port 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy was conducted using conventional 25-gauge cannula (4 eyes) or 25-gauge EdgePlusTM trocar/cannula system (2 eyes). The relationship between the cannulae and anterior vitreous was observed during surgery.

RESULTS

The 3 ports were observed at the beginning of vitrectomy. At the infusion port, incarceration of anterior vitreous containing asteroid bodies between the cannula and the infusion tip was clearly observed in all 6 eyes, irrespective of the cannula used. When the incarcerated vitreous fibers were excised using a vitreous cutter, the infusion fluid flowed toward the center of the vitreous. At both the left and right ports, anterior vitreous containing asteroid bodies was incarcerated into the cannulae in all 6 eyes irrespective of the cannula used. The incarcerated vitreous fibers were excised. At the end of surgery, no vitreous prolapse was found at the 3 ports in all eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

When using the 25-gauge cannula system, incarceration of anterior vitreous fibers into the cannulae of 3 ports from the beginning of surgery was clearly depicted in eyes with asteroid hyalosis. Excising the incarcerated anterior vitreous fibers is useful to ensure good perfusion and prevent vitreous prolapse.