Phacovitrectomy versus Vitrectomy only for Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Repair

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of phacovitrectomy and vitrectomy only for treatment of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. METHODS: The anatomical success, functional success, and complications between Group I patients who underwent vitrectomy only and Group II patients who underwent phacovitrectomy for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment were retrospectively compared. RESULTS: Twenty-one eyes (84.0%) in Group I had reattachment after vitrectomy only, and 27 eyes (90.0%) in Group II had reattachment after phacovitrectomy. However, the differences in the measures attributes were not statistically significant (p = 0.271). The logMAR visual acuity improved in both groups with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.102). Postoperative complications included cataract progression in 20 eyes (80.0%) in Group I and 17 of the 20 eyes (68.0%) underwent cataract surgery within one year after the first surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Phacovitrectomy, irrespective of severe lens opacity, is a relatively effective combined surgical procedure in older patients with primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and impending presbyopia. The procedure allows for easy access to the periphery during vitreous shaving and prevents the need for a second cataract operation.