Combined Phaco-Emulsification Cataract Extraction and Pars plana Vitrectomy without Intra-Ocular Lens Implantation

PURPOSE: To report the indications, surgical technique and visual outcome of combined phaco-emulsification cataract surgery and three-port pars plana vitrectomy (CPPV) in patients unsuitable for primary intra-ocular lens (IOL) implantation. METHOD: A 4-year review in a tertiary referral hospital. RESULTS: Thirty patients (30 eyes) had CPPV without primary IOL insertion. The patients had a mean pre-operative logMAR acuity of 1.81 (SD 0.49) which improved to 1.50 (SD 0.72) postoperatively (p = 0.036). CONCLUSION: CPPV with primary IOL insertion is now an established surgical technique. This series suggests that patients with contra-indications to primary IOL insertion may also benefit from CPPV.