Comparison of Scleral Tunnel and Clear Cornea Incision in Phacoemulsification Combined with Pars Plana Vitrectomy

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare the results of two different incision METHODS: scleral tunnel vs clear cornea in cases phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation combined with pars plana vitrectomy. METHODS: Between August 2003 and August 2005, 61 eyes with cataract and vitreoretinal diseases were treated by phacoemulsification combined with pars plana vitrectomy and PC-IOL implantation. Preoperative demographic data and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), astigmatism change, and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age of patients in the scleral tunnel incision (Group 1) and clear corneal incision (Group 2) was 57.09+/-13.72 and 58.83+/-11.83 years respectively. Diabetes mellitus was the most common underlying disease resulting in vitreous opacity. Vision improved in 82% of Group 1 and 78% of Group 2. There was a significant difference in the postoperative astigmatic changes between Group 1 and 2 (1.37+/-1.13D vs 0.78+/-0.67D). No discernible differences such as recurrent vitreous hemorrhage, inflammation in anterior chamber, increased intraocular pressure or iris changes were noted between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although there was no difference in the postoperative BCVA, two different incision methods yielded significant different postoperative astigmatic changes.