Complications in aphakic eyes after vitreous loss

In our 114 patients with vitreous loss during a cataract operation there were 21 cases (18.4%) which resulted in severe after-effects leading to the conclusion that vitreous loss during a cataract operation provokes a more frequent development of postoperative complications. Therefore a careful surgical procedure with exact repositioning of the vitreous-free anterior chamber, as well as regular and careful follow-up examinations are required. At our hospital we regularly carry our a three-mirror-contact lens examination after four weeks to enable us to perform a preventive treatment of the retina if necessary. In the event of incarceration of the vitreous with traction, a vitrectomy must be considered. As far as initial maculopathies are concerned we observed in a few cases a positive effect that parabulbar cortisone prevented further development of the disease. Finally, we would recommend regular IOP controls in order to recognize secondary glaucoma at an early stage.