Cataract extraction after retinal detachment repair by vitrectomy : visual outcome and complications.

AimsTo determine the intraoperative and postoperative complications and visual outcome of eyes undergoing cataract extraction after previous retinal detachment repair by pars plana vitrectomy (PPV).MethodsRetrospective analysis of 72 patients who had cataract extraction by phacoemulsification having had retinal detachment repair by vitrectomy and internal tamponade.ResultsBest-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) had improved in 53 (74%) of eyes at 3 weeks after cataract surgery and 65 (90%) at final follow-up. Fifty-three eyes (74%) attained 6/12 visual acuity at final follow-up compared with 19 (26%) eyes with a preoperative vision better than 6/12. There was a significant improvement in BCVA after cataract extraction (P<0.001). Poor vision was usually related to retinal comorbidity.Intraoperative events occurred in nine eyes (12.5%) including capsulorrhexis tears, zonular dehiscence and vitreous loss. Postoperative events occurred in 15 eyes (20.8%). Retinal re-detachment occurred in four eyes (5.6%).ConclusionsCataract extraction after retinal detachment surgery by vitrectomy generally results in a significant visual improvement, however, there is an increased intraoperative and postoperative complication rate. The risk of retinal re-detachment may previously have been underestimated.Eye (2009) 23, 1377–1381; doi:10.1038/eye.2008.255; published online 5 September 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]