Purpose:
To evaluate our pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) results for cases with nucleus drop.
Materials Methods:
Fourteen eyes of 14 patients that were complicated with nuclear drop during phacoemulsification underwent PPV surgery. Following core vitrectomy, and intentional detachment of posterior hyaloid, nuclear particles were taken out by ultrasonic phacofragmenter or vitrectomy probe in 12 eyes, by limbal way floating upon liquid perfluorocarbons in 2 eyes. PPV was conducted following phacoemulsification at the same session in a case, and as a secondary operation in the other cases after 1 week to 5 months following cataract surgery. Functional and anatomic results were evaluated retrospectively.
Results:
Follow-up time was 8 months (range 3- 24 months). At final examination, visual acuity was found improved in 12 eyes, while did not change in 2 eyes. Baseline visual acuity did not change at postoperative one week and one month (P>0.05), but improved at 3 months and final examination (P=0.025 and P=0.003, Wilcoxon test). No complication was encountered during PPV in any eyes. Retinal detachment developed in an eye postoperatively, and this eye was re-operated by PPV. Six eyes (43%) received topical glaucoma treatment for transient increase in intraocular pressure.
Conclusion:
Vitrectomy is better to be performed in optimal timing and condition as there is an increased risk of retinal tear and detachment in patients with nucleus drop. Careful peripheral retinal examination is essential during and after PPV.
Keywords: Phacoemulsification, nucleus drop, pars plana vitrectomy