Primary intraocular lens implantation during pars plana vitrectomy and intraretinal foreign body removal

To evaluate visual and surgical outcomes as well as complication rates after cataract extraction and primary intraocular lens (IOL) implantation during pars plana vitrectomy for removal of foreign bodies embedded or impacting in the retina.

Six consecutive cases of simultaneous cataract extraction and IOL implantation combined with vitreous surgery and intraocular foreign body extraction were retrospectively analyzed. In five cases, the foreign body was intraretinal; in one case, it was preretinal with retinal impact site. The follow-up period ranged from 5 to 45 months (mean 21.3 months).

Visual acuity improved by two or more lines in five of six eyes. In five eyes, best-corrected postoperative visual acuity was better than 20/40. One eye was successfully reoperated for retinal detachment that developed 2 months postoperatively. In four eyes, the IOL was implanted into the capsular bag; in two cases, the IOL was placed in the ciliary sulcus. No postoperative complication was attributed to IOL implantation.

Primary IOL implantation after combined cataract and vitreoretinal surgery is a safe and attractive option, reducing the need for two separate operations in selected patients with penetrating ocular injury and retained intraocular foreign bodies. The main advantage is more rapid visual rehabilitation with a single operation, reducing costs and patient discomfort.