Mini-vitrectomy; a Simple Solution to a Serious Condition

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of clear corneal approach irido-zonulo-hyaloido-vitrectomy, which we named "mini-vitrectomy," in the management of pseudophakic aqueous misdirection.

In this retrospective, non-comparative interventional case series, 24 eyes with diagnosis of pseudophakic aqueous misdirection were enrolled. Medical therapy with cycloplegics and laser therapy, including posterior capsulotomy and hyaloidotomy, was not effective in the management of the condition. The eyes underwent mini-vitrectomy, a simple technique in which iridotomy, zonulectomy, hyaloidectomy, and limited anterior vitrectomy were performed via a clear cornea incision. The main outcome measure was reformation of the anterior chamber, which was evaluated at day 1 and months 1, 3, 6, and 12.

The mean age of patients was 75.3 ± 11.3 years (range, 47 to 90), and 13 (54.2%) patients were women. Anterior chamber was deep in 22 patients (91.7%) at the last follow-up visit. The mean intraocular pressure (IOP) was 30.31 ± 1.9 mm Hg at presentation on 2.67 ± 1.09 glaucoma medications. IOP decreased significantly to 14.5 ± 4.6 mm Hg at 12-month follow-up. (P = 0.001). The number of glaucoma medications at final visit was 2.2 ± 0.9 (P = 0.21).

Mini-vitrectomy is a simple, safe, and effective procedure in the management of pseudophakic aqueous misdirection, and it can be adopted by all ophthalmologists who are involved in glaucoma management and are not comfortable with the pars plana vitrectomy approach.