Dropped Lens Fragments Retrieval Using Endoscopy-Assisted Pars Plana Vitrectomy in Patients With Corneal Opacity.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Innovation
• Retinal Surgery

Background:

• Corneal opacity can impede visualization, delaying dropped lens fragment retrieval.
• Endoscopy-assisted pars plana vitrectomy (E-PPV) allows visualization through corneal opacity.
• Limited data exist on E-PPV for dropped lens fragment retrieval.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate surgical outcomes of E-PPV for dropped lens fragment retrieval in patients with corneal opacity.
• Compare E-PPV with standard pars plana vitrectomy (S-PPV) in this context.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 74 patients (2013-2023).
• Compared E-PPV (31 patients) with S-PPV (43 patients).
• Assessed visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and complications (retinal detachment, cystoid macular edema, epiretinal membrane).

Main Results:

• No significant difference in postoperative cystoid macular edema rates (25.8% E-PPV vs. 25.58% S-PPV).
• Lower retinal detachment rate in E-PPV (0%) compared to S-PPV (7%), though not statistically significant (P=.13).
• Similar visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and complication rates at 1 year between groups; interval to surgery did not impact outcomes.

Conclusions:

• E-PPV provides comparable surgical outcomes to S-PPV for dropped lens fragment retrieval in corneal opacity.
• Early E-PPV yields similar results to delayed retrieval, irrespective of the time interval.
• Further research is warranted on the psychological benefits of earlier intervention.