[Combined phacoemulsification and pars plana vitrectomy]

Cataract is frequently associated with vitreoretinal diseases. Moreover, cataract is also a constant complication of vitrectomy in patients over 50 years. Its occurrence may be very early, especially when internal tamponade is used. For these reasons, a combined procedure including phacoemulsification and vitrectomy accelerates functional rehabilitation of patients, avoiding the need for a second operation. Interventions, their tricks and indications, are described for epimacular membranes, macular holes, diabetic retinopathy and macular hematoma. Combined surgery is a safe and effective procedure whose results are comparable to those of sequential surgery.