Abstract
Purpose: :
To evaluate the visual outcomes in patients treated with 23-gauge vitrectomy surgery for retained lens fragments after cataract surgery.
Methods: :
A retrospective review was conducted of 18 consecutive 23-gauge vitrectomy cases that were done for retained lens fragments after cataract surgery. The DORC (Dutch Ophthalmic Research Center) 23-gauge wound entry system was used with the Alcon 23-gauge vitrector. Patients with less than 6 weeks follow-up were excluded. Data that was reviewed included pre-operative visual acuity and best corrected visual acuity at most recent follow-up. In addition, lens status after cataract surgery, any surgical complications, and time between cataract and vitrectomy surgery were recorded.
Results: :
Of the 18 vitrectomies performed, there were 11 males and 7 females and the mean age was 70. Mean follow-up was 6 months (1.5 - 17.5 months). Mean visual acuity prior to vitrectomy was 20/468 (20/25 - Hand Motion) and mean final visual acuity was 20/63 (20/20 - Count Fingers at 8 feet) (p < .00005). Seventeen eyes (94%) had visual improvement. Fourteen eyes (78%) gained 3 or more lines of vision. One eye (6%) developed localized retinal detachment in the postoperative period that required surgical repair. Mean time between cataract surgery and vitrectomy surgery was 7 days (0 - 33 days). None of the surgical ports required conversion to 20-gauge.
Conclusions: :
Twenty-three gauge vitrectomy surgery is an effective surgical technique in the management of retained lens fragments after cataract surgery. Results compare favorably with published literature on 20-gauge surgery.
Keywords: vitreoretinal surgery • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: outcomes/complications