Background: The charts of 46 patients with dislocated lens particles during cataract surgery were reviewed. Forty patients had trans-pars plana vitrectomy; 5 were treated medically and one had retinal detachment repair only.
Material and methods: The following complications were associated with dislocated lens particles: uveitis 87%, glaucoma 66%, corneal edema 71%, retinal detachment 5%.
Results: The vision on the initial visit was 20/200 or worse in 85%. After vitrectomy the final vision was 20/40 or better in 58%. Visual acuity of 20/40 or better was obtained in 72% of patients who had surgery the same day; in 55% who had surgery later and in 64% with initial IOL placement. Insertion of an intraocular lens at the time of cataract surgery is not contraindicated.
Conclusion: The best visual acuity occurred in patients who had vitrectomy the same day as cataract surgery. Small lens particles may be left in the eye. Trans-pars plana vitrectomy is a successful method of treatment of dislocated lens particles during cataract surgery.