An objective evaluation of lens transparency after vitrectomy surgery with different intravitreal tamponades

To evaluate and compare the effects of different intraocular tamponade agents on lens density after vitrectomy.

The participating patients were divided into four groups according to the tamponade agent used: a sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) group, a perfluoropropane (C₃F₈) group, a silicone oil group, and a no tamponade group. Lens density measurements were performed preoperatively and two weeks, one month, and three months postoperatively using a Pentacam HR device with a Scheimpflug camera. The postoperative values were compared with the preoperative baseline values, also the values were compared between the four groups.

The study included 82 eyes (82 patients). In the SF₆ group, lens density significantly increased in all zones two weeks and one and three months postoperatively (all P < .05). In the C₃F₈ group, lens density significantly increased in all zones three months postoperatively (all P < .01). In the silicone oil group, the zone 1, zone 2, and average lens density (ALD) value significantly increased one and three months postoperatively (all P < .05). In the no tamponade group, the zone 1, zone 2, and ALD values significantly increased three months postoperatively (all P < .05). There were no significant differences between the four groups in any zone either preoperatively or postoperatively (all P > .05).

Although increases in lens density were observed earlier in the tamponade groups than in the no tamponade group, between the groups over the follow-up period were no differences. We need the development of new surgical methods and materials to prevent post-vitrectomy lens damage in the future.