Combined endocapsular phacoemulsification, pars plana vitrectomy, and intraocular lens implantation

To determine whether a combined vitrectomy and phacoemulsification is a safe and feasible approach in patients requiring a vitrectomy who have a concomitant significant lens opacity.

Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.

This retrospective study comprised five patients with significant lens opacities who had combined trans pars plana vitrectomy and phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. Main outcome measures were visual acuity and intraoperative and postoperative complications.

The combined surgical approach resulted in minimal complications, and postoperative visual acuity was satisfactory.

In the hands of experienced phacoemulsification and vitrectomy surgeons, combined trans pars plana vitrectomy and phacoemulsification can be a safe approach in treating patients requiring a vitrectomy who have significant lens opacities precluding a view of the posterior segment.