Intraocular lens implantation in combination with lensectomy and vitrectomy for persistent fetal vasculature

To present surgical outcomes following intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in combination with lensectomy and vitrectomy for the treatment of persistent fetal vasculature (PFV).

This interventional case series included 19 eyes from 19 patients with unilateral combined PFV. Limbal lensectomy, capsulotomy, anterior vitrectomy, dissection of the retrolental membrane and stalk, and in-the-bag or in-the-sulcus IOL implantation were performed for the treatment of visually significant lenticular opacity with the presence of a retrolental fibrovascular membrane and stalk, in an eye with sufficient capsular support. Postoperative anatomical and visual outcomes were evaluated.

After 22 to 50 months of follow-up, IOLs were well positioned in 18 (95%) of 19 eyes. Retinal dragging was reversed in all 8 eyes with preexisting peripapillary tractional retinopathy. Major complications occurred in 2 eyes (11%): one eye (5.5%) of vitreous hemorrhage and posterior capsular opacity and one eye (5.5%) of IOL dislocation. Nine (47%) of 19 eyes achieved best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) above 20/200. Myopic shift after IOL implantation ranged from 0.75 to 4.17 D. Compared with eyes with poorer BCVA, eyes with BCVA above 20/200 had a better preoperative BCVA (mean 20/400 vs. 20/4000, P = 0.004) and were less likely to have preexisting peripapillary tractional retinopathies (11% vs. 70%, P = 0.002).

Primary IOL implantation in combination with lensectomy and vitrectomy is an alternative to treat eyes with combined PFV. Prospects for rehabilitation may be limited by poor preoperative visual function and the presence of tractional retinopathies preoperatively. Postoperative refractive status requires long-term monitoring.