Visual and anatomical outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy for dropped intraocular lens: A Retrospective Study.

A Retrospective study

Abstract

Background: Intraocular lens (IOL) dislocation is a serious cataract surgery complication that can cause significant visual impairment, often necessitating surgical intervention. Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) has become the preferred method for treating dislocated IOLs, effectively managing both the lens and related vitreous issues. This study aims to assess the visual and anatomical outcomes of PPV in patients who experienced IOL dislocation following complicated phacoemulsification (PE).

Methodology: A retrospective analysis was conducted at the Ophthalmology Department of Lahore General Hospital. The study included 51 patients (33 males, 18 females) aged 35 to 85 years who were referred after experiencing IOL dislocation post-complicated PE. Data were collected on the interval between PE and PPV, preoperative and postoperative visual acuity (VA), and complications. All patients underwent 23-gauge PPV, involving the removal and re-implantation of the IOL.

Results: The average interval between cataract surgery and PPV was 14 days. All patients presented with aphakia and preoperative visual acuity at the counting finger (CF) level. PPV was successfully performed in all cases, with the dislocated IOL being completely freed from any residual vitreous adhesions. Postoperatively, 38 patients (74.51%) achieved a final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) between 20/20 and 20/50, while 12 patients (23.53%) attained BCVA ranging from 20/60 to 20/200. Visual acuity remained unchanged in 1 patient (1.96%) due to bullous keratopathy following anterior chamber (AC) IOL implantation.

Conclusion: Pars plana vitrectomy for the removal of a dislocated IOL following complicated phacoemulsification yields excellent visual and anatomical outcomes with a low incidence of postoperative complications.