Pars plana vitrectomy during cataract surgery for prevention of aqueous misdirection in high-risk fellow eyes.

Abstract

To report the use of pars plana vitrectomy as a prophylactic measure during cataract surgery for prevention of aqueous misdirection in high-risk fellow eyes. Chart review of two patients with severe aqueous misdirection in their first eye at the time of cataract surgery that only responded to pars plana vitrectomy. In both patients, cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation was initially performed after pars plana vitrectomy, with the creation of hyaloido-capsulo-iridotomy to establish a communication between the vitreous cavity and the anterior chamber. Pars plana vitrectomy as a prophylactic measure during cataract surgery may have a beneficial role in fellow eyes at high risk for developing aqueous misdirection.