outcomes of phacoemulsification with anterior chamber maintainer in vitrectomized eyes

Pur po se: To evaluate the outcomes of phacoemulsification with anterior chamber maintainer in vitrectomized eyes with complicated cataract. Ma te ri al and Met hod: Twenty eyes of 20 patients who developed complicated cataract after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) were included in the study. Phacoemulsification with clear corneal incision and foldable intraocular lens implantation was performed. In group 1, anterior chamber maintainer (ACM) was used during phacoemusification and in group 2, ACM was not used. Pre- and postoperative visual acuities as well as per- and postoperative complications were reviewed retrospectively. Re sults: Anterior chamber maintainer was used during the surgery in 12 (60%) cases and was not used in 8 (40%) cases. Phacoemulsification was performed 16.5±9.2 (4-40) months after PPV. Best-corrected visual acuities were between hand motions and 0.4 preoperatively and between counting fingers from 1 meter and 1.0 postoperatively in group 1. Best-corrected visual acuities were between hand motions and 0.1 preoperatively and between counting fingers from 1 meter and 0.8 postoperatively in group 2. Posterior capsule was ruptured in 1 eye peroperatively in group 1. In group 2, phacoemulsification was more difficult due to deep anterior chamber in 8 eyes and intraoperative complications were iris sphincter rupture in 1 eye and posterior capsule rupture in 1 eye. Mild corneal edema in 7 (58.3%) eyes, fibrin reaction in 2 (16.6%), intraocular lens decentralization in 1 (8.3%) and posterior capsule opacification in 4 (33.3%) eyes were the postoperative complications in group 1. Mild corneal edema in 5 (62.5%) eyes, fibrin reaction in 1 (12.5%) and posterior capsule opacification in 2 (25%) eyes were the postoperative complications in group 2. Dis cus si on: Complicated cataracts which may develop after PPV can be treated safely with phacoemulsification. Continuous irrigation during the surgery may provide a stable anterior chamber and prevents surgical complications. (Turk J Ophthalmol 2012; 42: 253-6)