Vitreous loss during cataract surgery: Prevention and optimal management

Abstract

Vitreous loss during cataract surgery is associated with a poor visual outcome. Experienced surgeons and those performing a high volume of cataract operations have lower rates of vitreous loss. Risk stratification systems, which allow prediction of intraoperative complications from preoperative criteria exist, so that less experienced surgeons can avoid higher risk cases. The management of vitreous loss includes counselling patients before surgery of the potential risks and complications. When vitreous loss occurs, it is important for the surgeon to avoid actions, which increase the chance of disaster for the eye. These include phacoemulsification in the presence of vitreous and attempts to recover dropped lens fragments from the posterior segment without vitrectomy. There are advantages in performing an anterior vitrectomy by the pars plana route rather than through the anterior chamber and this approach is facilitated by sutureless 23-gauge instruments. Dislocation of lens nuclear fragments into the vitreous is associated with a high incidence of retinal detachment as well as secondary glaucoma and cystoid macular oedema. Early involvement of a retinal surgeon in the management of these eyes is recommended.