Combined phacoemulsification, pars plana vitrectomy, removal of intraocular foreign body (IOFB), and primary intraocular lens implantation for patients with IOFB and traumatic cataract.

Abstract

Small-incision cataract extraction by phacoemulsification through an anterior continuous circular capsulorhexis, pars plana vitrectomy, forceps removal of intraocular foreign body (IOFB) and primary intraocular lens implantation were performed in 4 eyes (4 patients) with IOFB and traumatic cataract, as an emergency combined procedure. At a mean follow-up of 12.3 months (range 7-19 months) the best corrected visual acuity of the 4 eyes ranged from 6/6 to 6/12. The only complication encountered in our series was an opacified posterior capsule that developed 10 months post-operatively in one case. This was easily dealt with by neodymium:YAG laser capsulotomy, with good final visual outcome. The results of combined one-stage instead of sequential surgeries, and phacoemulsification instead of lensectomy or extracapsular cataract extraction for patients with IOFB and cataract are encouraging. It could be a good option in selected cases. However, the safety and efficacy of this combined procedure need to be evaluated further by a larger-scale, longer follow-up study.