Cataract extraction after retinal detachment repair by vitrectomy: visual outcome and complications.

AIMS: To determine the intraoperative and postoperative complications and visual outcome of eyes undergoing cataract extraction after previous retinal detachment repair by pars plana vitrectomy (PPV).
METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 72 patients who had cataract extraction by phacoemulsification having had retinal detachment repair by vitrectomy and internal tamponade.
RESULTS: Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) had improved in 53 (74%) of eyes at 3 weeks after cataract surgery and 65 (90%) at final follow-up. Fifty-three eyes (74%) attained 6/12 visual acuity at final follow-up compared with 19 (26%) eyes with a preoperative vision better than 6/12. There was a significant improvement in BCVA after cataract extraction (P<0.001). Poor vision was usually related to retinal comorbidity.Intraoperative events occurred in nine eyes (12.5%) including capsulorrhexis tears, zonular dehiscence and vitreous loss. Postoperative events occurred in 15 eyes (20.8%). Retinal re-detachment occurred in four eyes (5.6%).
CONCLUSIONS: Cataract extraction after retinal detachment surgery by vitrectomy generally results in a significant visual improvement, however, there is an increased intraoperative and postoperative complication rate. The risk of retinal re-detachment may previously have been underestimated.