Posterior vitreous detachment common after cataract surgery, IOL implantation

J Cataract Refract Surg. 2009;35(6):987-991.

Posterior vitreous detachment after modern cataract surgery with small-incision phacoemulsification and posterior IOL implantation is common, although the consequences may not be immediately apparent, according to a study.

Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) occurred in 34 of 58 eyes (58.7%) of patients with no preoperative PVD, as measured by B-scan ultrasonography, biomicroscopic examination and indirect binocular ophthalmoscopy. However, no pre- or perioperative measures, including age, refraction, axial length or effective phaco time, were predictive of postoperative PVD.

"It is likely that if there is no PVD before cataract surgery, PVD will develop in many patients postoperatively," the study authors said.

After surgery, PVD developed in 12 eyes at 1 week, in 18 eyes at 1 month and in four eyes at 1 year. Vitreous attachment was maintained in 24 eyes through 1 year. Partial PVD occurred in 24 eyes and complete PVD in 10 eyes.

"Posterior vitreous detachment does not directly threaten vision. Even so, it is of increasing interest because the interaction between the vitreous body and the retina might play a decisive role in the development of major pathologic vitreoretinal conditions," the authors said.