Combined phacoemulsification and pars plana vitrectomy in diabetic patients

Abstract

Background: To evaluate combined phacoemulsification, foldable acrylic intraocular lens (IOL) implantation and pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in diabetic patients with vitreoretinal pathology. Methods: Combined surgery was performed in 24 diabetic patients with vitreous haemorrhage, tractional retinal detachment or severe fibrovascular proliferation secondary to proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Phacoemulsification was performed by scleral or limbal tunnel incision. Foldable acrylic IOL was implanted after or before PPV. Result: Visual acuities were increased in 19 (79%) cases. Re-hemorrhage occurred in 6 (25%) cases and transient mild rubeosis iridis was observed 5 (20%) cases. Postoperative transient intraocular pressure increase, mild corneal oedema and inflammation were most frequent complications. Conclusion: Combined phacoemulsification, foldable acrylic IOL implantation and PPV is safe and effective method in the diabetic patients with cataract and vitreoretinal pathology requiring PPV. © EVRS 2006.