Purpose: To compare short-acting mydriatics versus long-acting mydriatics and to assess their effect on postoperative frequency and severity of posterior synechia after combined pars plana vitrectomy, phacoemulsification, and intraocular lens implantation.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 69 eyes of 69 patients who received a combined operation by the same surgeon for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and cataracts. The mean follow-up period in both groups was 43 weeks. The frequency and severity of posterior synechia were analyzed at baseline and over a 6-month follow-up period.
Results: Of the 69 eyes, 29.7% (11 of 37) in the long-acting mydriatic group versus 9.4% (3 of 32) in the short-acting mydriatic group had developed posterior synechia. The difference was statistically significant (P = 0.036). Additionally, when the severity of posterior synechia was measured in hour units, there was a statistically significant difference in severity between the 2 groups (long-acting mydriatic group, 0.76 +/- 1.52 hours; short-acting mydriatic group, 0.13 +/- 0.42 hours; P = 0.020).
Conclusion: The frequency and severity of posterior synechia after a combined operation may be reduced by the use of a short-acting mydriatic.