Refractive outcome comparison between vitreomacular interface disorders after phacovitrectomy

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retina Surgery
• Cataract Surgery

Background:

• Vitreomacular interface disorders, including vitreomacular traction (VMT), epiretinal membranes (ERM), and macular holes, can affect visual outcomes after cataract surgery.
• Accurate intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation is crucial for achieving desired refractive results following cataract surgery, especially in eyes with pre-existing macular conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the refractive accuracy of intraocular lens (IOL) power calculations in patients with VMT, ERM, or macular holes who underwent phacovitrectomy versus standard phacoemulsification.
• To evaluate the impact of vitreomacular interface disorders on postoperative refractive outcomes after cataract surgery.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective case series comparing 100 eyes undergoing phacovitrectomy (25 with VMT, 25 with ERM, 25 with macular holes) and 25 eyes undergoing phacoemulsification alone.
• Intraocular lens (IOL) power calculations were performed using the IOLMaster 700 (partial coherence interferometry) and the Haigis formula.
• Postoperative refraction was assessed 8 weeks after surgery.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant differences in axial length were observed between the groups.
• While preoperative macular thickness varied significantly, final refraction within ±1.00 diopter of the target was achieved in most eyes (92% in VMT and macular hole groups).
• Mean prediction error and mean absolute error did not differ significantly across the groups, and no correlation was found with age, axial length, or macular thickness.

Conclusions:

• Intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation using partial coherence interferometry (PCI) provides comparable refractive accuracy for eyes with vitreomacular interface disorders undergoing phacovitrectomy.
• The refractive outcomes are not significantly influenced by the specific type of vitreomacular interface disorder, age, axial length, or macular thickness.