Refractive outcomes after phacovitrectomy surgery

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Refractive Surgery
• Ocular Biometry

Background:

• Phacovitrectomy combines cataract removal with vitreous surgery.
• Accurate intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation is crucial for achieving desired refractive outcomes post-surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the refractive accuracy of standard intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation methods in eyes undergoing phacovitrectomy.
• To compare refractive outcomes between phacovitrectomy and traditional phacoemulsification.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective comparative case series analyzed 133 eyes after phacovitrectomy and 132 eyes after phacoemulsification.
• Intraocular lens (IOL) power was calculated using the IOLMaster 500 and the Haigis formula.
• Refraction was assessed one month post-surgery and compared to predicted outcomes.

Main Results:

• Refractive outcomes were comparable between phacovitrectomy (-0.06 ± 0.50 D) and phacoemulsification (-0.08 ± 0.47 D).
• 94.9% of phacovitrectomy cases and 94.6% of phacoemulsification cases achieved a postoperative refraction within ±1.00 D of the target.
• Subgroup analyses showed no increased refractive surprise with gas tamponade or longer axial lengths (≥ 26.00 mm).

Conclusions:

• Standard IOL power calculation formulas are accurate for phacovitrectomy, even with varied indications and axial lengths.
• Phacovitrectomy does not introduce a myopic shift compared to standard cataract surgery.