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Visual outcomes after anterior vitrectomy: comparison of ECCE and phacoemulsification
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA.
Purpose:
To determine whether vitrectomy instrumentation improved outcomes when vitreous loss occurred during either extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) or phacoemulsification (PE) with posterior chamber lens implantation (PCIOL).
Methods:
A consecutive series of ECCE + PCIOL (group 1: 1985-1989) and PE + PCIOL (group 2: 1993-1997) surgeries by a single surgeon was reviewed retrospectively.
Results:
In group 1, 14 of 647 patients (2.2%) and in group 2, 9 of 665 patients (1.4%) experienced vitreous loss. In group 1, final visual acuity averaged 20/83; in group 2, 20/25 (P = .005). Average follow-up was 5.7 years (group 1) and 3.2 years (group 2). Uveitis, glaucoma, corneal problems, and retinal problems were assessed.
Conclusions:
Anterior vitrectomy reduced complications from vitreous loss. Fewer vitreous losses occurred with PE than ECCE. Patients with vitreous loss after PE attained better vision.