Preserving capsule can prevent post-vitrectomy complications

CHICAGO — Anterior capsule preservation in eyes with retinal detachment and proliferative vitreoretinopathy can help prevent intraoperative and postoperative complications of gas or silicone oil, according to a study here. By preserving the anterior capsule during pars plana vitrectomy and lensectomy, vitreoretinal surgeons can simplify future posterior chamber IOL implantation and maintain a normal iris appearance, the study authors add.

Mathew MacCumber, MD, PhD, and colleagues studied 15 patients with retinal detachment and varying degrees of proliferative vitreoretinopathy in one eye. All eyes underwent pars plana vitrectomy and lensectomy with preservation and polishing of the anterior capsule, and all eyes had at least 6 months follow-up.

Fourteen eyes achieved complete retinal reattachment at the final visit. One eye had macular redetachment. Final visual acuity was better or equal to preop acuity in all eyes, improving by a mean 4 lines overall. None of the eyes had corneal decompensation, pupillary block or other vision-threatening anterior segment complications. The anterior capsule remained centrally clear in the 13 eyes that did not have a primary central capsulotomy.

The study is published in the February issue of Ophthalmology.