Anterior capsular contraction after cataract surgery in vitrectomized eyes

PURPOSE: To assess the contraction of continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis after cataract surgery in eyes with past pars plana vitrectomy, METHODS: In a prospective study, 16 eyes of 16 patients underwent phacoemulsification and implantation of a foldable acrylic intraocular lens after pars plana vitrectomy. Eyes after intensive or repeated vitrectomy were not included. Twenty eyes of 19 patients served as age-matched controls, Aqueous flare intensity was measured using the laser flare-cell meter 1 year after surgery. The area of anterior capsular opening (ACO) was determined by diaphanoscopy using the anterior eye segment analysis system EAS-1000 at 1 day and 1 year postoperatively, RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the mean ACO area between the vitrectomy and control groups both at 1 day and 1 year postoperatively, Aqueous flare intensity 1 year after surgery was slightly higher in the vitrectomy group, but the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Eyes after simple vitrectomy are not at a higher risk of ACO contraction following cataract surgery. (Am J Ophthalmol 2001;132:108-109, (C) 2001 by Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.).