Visual outcome of pars plana vitrectomy for dropped nucleus after phacoemulsification

To determine the visual outcome of patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy for dropped nucleus after phacoemulsification.

Interventional case series.

LRBT Free Base Eye Hospital, Karachi, from February 2008 to January 2011.

Forty-eight eyes of forty eight patients having history of dropped nucleus (soft remnant, half nucleus or complete nucleus) underwent 20 gauge pars plana vitrectomy within 24 days of phacoemulsification. After complete vitrectomy nucleus was lifted with the help of perfluorocarbon and removed either through a limbal incision or by using phacofragmenter, whereas small lens remnants were removed with a vitreous cutter. Intraocular lens was implanted at the end of surgery. Postoperative visual acuity, and any complications were assessed. Patients were followed for a period of 12 months.

Final visual acuity ranged from 6/9 to 6/18 in 34 eyes (70.83%), 6/24 to 6/36 in 8 eyes (16.66%) and 6/60 or less in 6 of 48 eyes (12.5%). Complications included raised intraocular pressure in 6 eyes (12.5%) and retinal detachment in 2 eyes (4.1%), corneal oedema and decompensation in 3 eyes (6.25%) and cystoids macular oedema in 4 cases (8.33%) out of 48 cases.

The loss of crystalline lens in the vitreous during phacoemulsification is a severe complication, but appropriate and timely management can restore good visual outcome and minimize complications.