Surgeon-controlled-endoillumination-guided irrigation and aspiration during combined 23-gauge sutureless vitrectomy and cataract surgery in eyes with poor fundus reflex.

We describe a surgeon-controlled-endoillumination-guided irrigation and aspiration (I/A) technique that can be used to polish the posterior capsule during combined 23-gauge sutureless vitrectomy and cataract surgery in eyes with a poor red fundus reflex. In a dark room with the microscope light turned off, the surgeon holds and controls a 23-gauge endoilluminator with the left hand to achieve better retroillumination during I/A. Using surgeon-controlled endoillumination, it is possible to follow and guide the posterior capsule area undergoing I/A. The excellent visibility of the posterior capsule facilitates posterior capsule polishing with no intraoperative complications.