Consider This Approach to Posterior Capsulectomy and Anterior Vitrectomy

Using the pars plana approach to posterior capsulectomy and anterior vitrectomy appears to be safe and effective, according to William J. Johnson, MD, of the Miles Center for Pediatric Ophthalmology in Charleston, SC. He presented results of a retrospective analysis involving 551 eyes during the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery’s 2018 annual meeting in Washington, DC. 

Participants were <21 years of age (median age ~3 years) who underwent planned pars plana capsulectomy and anterior vitrectomy during cataract removal/IOL implant by a pediatric anterior segment surgeon. Investigators looked at clinical characteristics, complications, and outcomes. Among the results: 

• 10% of eyes were of traumatic etiology.
• <1% were diagnosed with retinal detachments during follow-up; none occurred within 18 months of surgery. 
• 10% of eyes experienced visual axis opacification that needed subsequent operative intervention.
• There were no intraoperative hemorrhages or IOL displacements, nor were there any cases of postoperative endophthalmitis.

Johnson W. Clinical outcomes of pars plana posterior capsulectomy and anterior vitrectomy in pediatric cataract surgery. Talk presented at: 2018 ASCRS-ASOA Annual Meeting; April 13-17, 2018; Washington, DC.