Three-year results of combined pars plana vitrectomy and phacoemulsification in diabetic vitreous hemorrhage

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of complications following combined pars plana vitrectomy and phacoemulsification surgery of the eyes for the management of vitreous hemorrhage due to proliferative diabetic retinopathy as well as pronounced cataracts. Material and Method: Phacoemulsification and 23G pars plana vitrectomy procedures were performed for the management of vitreous hemorrhage and cataracts. Age, gender, best-corrected visual acuity before and after surgery, and intra- and post-operative complications were recorded in patients with cataracts who underwent surgery due to vitreous hemorrhage. Results: A total of 40 eyes of 40 patients, 22 females (55%) and 18 males, were included in the study. The mean age was 58.7±7.1 (44–76) years. Logmar visual acuity changed from a mean of 2.82±0.5 preoperatively to a mean of 0.7±0.6 postoperatively. Visual acuity increased in 38 eyes (95%) postoperatively. No reduction in visual acuity was observed in any eye. Complications associated with surgery included transient intraocular pressure increase (12 eyes), hyphema (2 eyes), posterior capsule rupture (1 eye), anterior chamber fibrin exudation (4 eyes), neovascular glaucoma (1 eye), vitreous hemorrhage (4 eyes), retinal detachment (1 eye), and posterior capsule opacification (2 eyes). Conclusion: It was found that combined phacoemulsification and PPV surgery was safe and effective in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Combined phaco-vitrectomy is a reliable method with a minimum complication profile and prevents the need for subsequent cataract surgery.