Retained intravitreal lens fragments after cataract surgery.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to review the possible benefits and complications of vitrectomy for retained lens fragments after cataract surgery.


METHODS
The authors reviewed the charts of 65 patients referred over a 12-year period for retained lens fragments after cataract surgery. Of these, 56 underwent vitrectomy and 9 were followed. Of these 56 eyes, 29 (52%) had received an intraocular lens (IOL) at the time of cataract surgery.


RESULTS
Resulting complications from retained lens material included glaucoma (52%), corneal edema (46%), uveitis (56%), and decreased vision (100%). These sequelae responded equally to vitrectomy in eyes with or without an IOL and irrespective of type of cataract surgery (phacoemulsification or extracapsular cataract extraction). The timing of surgery did not statistically influence the final vision or the incidence of glaucoma.


CONCLUSIONS
Removal of retained lens fragments allows rapid visual restoration, enhances resolution of uveitis, and improves control of glaucoma. Insertion of an IOL at the time of cataract surgery in the face of dislocated lens fragments is not contraindicated provided that it could be performed safely.
Gilliland
G D
GD
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas.
Hutton
W L
WL
Fuller
D G
DG
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015715:Corneal Edema / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007906:Lens Subluxation / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014605:Uveitis / Q000209:etiology; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014821:Vitrectomy