Lensectomy, vitrectomy indications, and techniques in cataract surgery

Removal of a cataract during a vitrectomy can be performed to improve visualization for the surgeon or to facilitate visual rehabilitation for the patient. Because aphakic eyeglasses or contact lenses are often poor options to correct aphakia, placement of an intraocular lens during or after a vitrectomy is becoming increasingly common. A cataractous lens can be removed by pars plana lensectomy, phacoemulsification, or extracapsular cataract extraction. Options for intraocular lens placement include no intraocular lens, anterior chamber lens or sutured posterior capsular lens in the absence of capsular support, "in-the-bag" posterior capsular lens, or sulcus-fixated posterior capsular lens. This article reviews the current indications and techniques for cataract removal with or without intraocular lens placement in patients undergoing vitrectomy.