Managing Challenges of Phacoemulsification in Vitrectomized Eyes: A New Technique

This study aimed to describe a novel approach to manage the challenges of phacoemulsification in vitrectomized eyes.

Intraoperative titrated intravitreal injection of balanced salt solution (BSS) through pars plana was done using a 30G needle hooked to a 1 cc syringe to build up the vitreous pressure.

Five eyes of five patients who had previous vitrectomy were given intraoperative injection. This led to the prevention of lens-iris diaphragm retropulsion and routine completion of phacoemulsification. The preoperative visual acuity was < 6/60 in all patients. The postoperative visual acuity was 6/9 or better in all patients, except in one patient which was 6/60, which is explained by diabetic ischemic maculopathy. Neither injection-related intraoperative nor postoperative complications were noted.

Challenges of phacoemulsification in vitrectomized eyes can be prevented by a simple titrated intraoperative injection of BSS intravitreally through pars plana.