Visual outcomes after anterior vitrectomy: comparison of ECCE and phacoemulsification.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether vitrectomy instrumentation improved outcomes when vitreous loss occurred during either extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) or phacoemulsification (PE) with posterior chamber lens implantation (PCIOL).


METHODS
A consecutive series of ECCE + PCIOL (group 1: 1985-1989) and PE + PCIOL (group 2: 1993-1997) surgeries by a single surgeon was reviewed retrospectively.


RESULTS
In group 1, 14 of 647 patients (2.2%) and in group 2, 9 of 665 patients (1.4%) experienced vitreous loss. In group 1, final visual acuity averaged 20/83; in group 2, 20/25 (P = .005). Average follow-up was 5.7 years (group 1) and 3.2 years (group 2). Uveitis, glaucoma, corneal problems, and retinal problems were assessed.


CONCLUSIONS
Anterior vitrectomy reduced complications from vitreous loss. Fewer vitreous losses occurred with PE than ECCE. Patients with vitreous loss after PE attained better vision.
Bobrow
J C
JC
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA.
D000368:Aged; D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular; D008297:Male; D018918:Phacoemulsification / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology*; D014821:Vitrectomy / Q000379:methods*