Combined phacoemulsification, pars plana vitrectomy, and posterior chamber intraocular lens insertion

Eighteen eyes with coexisting cataract and vitreoretinal disease underwent combined phacoemulsification, pars plana vitrectomy, and posterior chamber lens implantation. Preoperative vitreoretinal disease included nonclearing vitreous hemorrhage (eight eyes), vitreous hemorrhage and tractional retinal detachment (three eyes), tractional retinal detachment (one eye), epiretinal membranes (three eyes), peripheral uveitis (two eyes), and a retained intraocular metallic foreign body (one eye). Postoperative visual acuity improved in each case; 14 eyes achieved visual acuity between 20/20 and 20/80 during an average postoperative period of 11 months (range, 3 to 39 months). Perioperative complications included an iatrogenic retinal break (one eye) and pupillary block glaucoma (one eye). Four eyes required YAG laser capsulotomy postoperatively. Phacoemulsification did not interfere with corneal clarity, allowed water-tight wound closure during vitrectomy, and preserved the capsular bag, allowing endocapsular fixation of the posterior chamber lens. Combining phacoemulsification, posterior chamber lens implantation, and pars plana vitrectomy allows rapid visual rehabilitation and functional unaided vision in these eyes.