Vitreoretinal interface changes after uncomplicated phacoemulsification

Abstract

Introduction/Objective The aim of this work was to examine the incidence of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) after uncomplicated phacoemulsification, as well as the importance of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in detecting early changes on vitreoretinal interface.

Methods PVD was evaluated in 120 eyes of 120 patients aged between 50 and 70 years by the combination of OCT and ultrasonography immediately prior and one, six, and 12 month after the phacoemulsification cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation.

Results The mean age was 57 ± 8.8 years in female and 58.6 ± 8.8 years in male subjects. The progress statuses were compared after cataract surgery at three time-points: after one, six, and 12 months. Significant progression of PVD in time was confirmed (χ² = 78.32, p < 0.001). The Wilcoxon test determined that after six months (p < 0.001) and 12 months (p < 0.001) the disease progression was statistically significant in comparison to measurements after one month. In addition, after 12 months, in relation to progression status established after six months, there was significant progression of the disease (p < 0.001).

Conclusion Vitreous body detachment after phacoemulsification surgery is common, and OCT plays a very important role in detecting initial changes on the vitreoretinal interface.

Keywords: posterior vitreous detachment; phacoemulsification; optical coherence tomography