Central Pars Plana Vitrectomy + Phacoemulsification + Intraocular Lens Implantation in Patients with Small Eyes, Cataract, and Narrow Anterior Chambers

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the results of central pars plana vitrectomy + phacoemulsification + intraocular lens implantation in patients with small eyes, cataract, and narrow chambers.

Methods

This prospective study was carried out in 89 eyes of 58 patients undergoing central pars plana vitrectomy + phacoemulsification + IOL implantation in small eyes with cataract at Clínica La Luz Eye Institute in Lima, Peru.

Results

The mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.8±0.6 preoperatively, 0.5±0.6 at 1 month, 0.3±0.3 at 6 months, 0.1±0.1 at 9 months, and 0.05±0.1 at 1 year, which was statistically significant from the preoperative period to 1 year of follow-up. Mean intraocular pressure was 22.09±2.4 mmHg preoperatively, 14.55±2.9 mmHg at 1 day, 12.94±2.04 mmHg at 1 month, 12.01±1.2 mmHg at 6 months, 12.20±1.9 mmHg at 9 months, and 11.34±1.1 mmHg at 1 year. The reduction in the intraocular pressure from the preoperative control period to the follow-up at 1 year was statistically significant. There was only one complication, a rupture of the posterior capsule, which was quickly resolved.

Conclusion

Central pars plana vitrectomy with phacoemulsification is a safe and effective technique to perform in narrow chambers with all types of cataracts, in experienced hands, which can avoid intraoperative complications.

Keywords:

• best corrected visual acuity
• intraocular pressure
• intraocular lens implantation
• crowded anterior chamber

Acknowledgments

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to Clinica La Luz for allowing data collection and to the statistical analysis staff. We wish to thank the study participants for their willingness to participate. This study did not receive funding from any organization.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.