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Posterior capsulotomy with phacovitrectomy reduces postop PCO
A combination treatment of 25-gauge microincision vitrectomy, IOL implantation and posterior capsulotomy reduced the need for postoperative Nd:YAG capsulotomy due to posterior capsule opacification, according to a study.
The retrospective, comparative case series included 343 eyes that underwent 25-gauge microincision vitrectomy by a single surgeon; 207 eyes underwent posterior capsulotomy, and 136 eyes did not undergo posterior capsulotomy.
After 6 months of follow-up, Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy was performed if PCO was observed.
Study results showed that the postoperative rate of Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy was approximately 10 times lower in the capsulotomy group than in the no-capsulotomy group (P < .01), but posterior capsulotomy did not necessarily prevent PCO in every case.
The mean postop corrected distance visual acuity improved in all patients (P < .01) and improved after Nd:YAG capsulotomy in patients with postoperative PCO (P < .05).
“A primary posterior capsulotomy technique using a 25-gauge vitreous cutter can prevent postoperative PCO, which can severely decrease CDVA in the affected eye,” the study authors said.