Background: Lens-iris diaphragm retropulsion syndrome (LIDRS) is common in vitrectomized or high myopic eyes during phacoemulsification. We evaluated the results of a modified technique for cataract treatment using phacoemulsification in vitrectomized eyes.
Methods: In this retrospective study, we enrolled thirty-four vitrectomized eyes treated with modified phacoemulsification (Modified Group) and nineteen vitrectomized eyes treated with routine phacoemulsification (Control Group). The modified technique comprised irrigation with a balanced salt solution underneath the pupil before phacoemulsification instrument entry, lens implantation and stromal hydration to stabilize the anterior chamber and equilibrate the pressure between the anterior chamber and posterior cavity.
Results: We compared the incidences of intra and postoperative complications and visual outcomes between modified and routine phacoemulsification. Pain, LIDRS and difficulty in stromal hydration were significantly more common in the Control Group than in the Modified Group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the rates of posterior capsular rupture, iris trauma, lens dislocation, or posterior capsular opacification between the Modified and Control Groups (p > 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in visual acuity between the groups (p > 0.05). Complications such as loss of nuclear fragments into the vitreous cavity, cystoid macular edema, retina redetachment, suprachoroidal hemorrhage and vitreous hemorrhage did not occur either intra or postoperatively in any of our patients.
Conclusions: Our modified technique prevents LIDRS and complications arising during cataract surgery in vitrectomized eyes. Aside from this, the results of modified and routine phacoemulsification are similar in vitrectomized eyes.
Keywords: lens–iris diaphragm retropulsion; modified technique; phacoemulsification; vitrectomized eyes.