IRIS Hook Assisted Phacoemulsification in Vitrectomized Eyes

With the continuous evolution in vitrectomy techniques and instrumentation, an increasing number of vitreorential disorders are being successfully managed with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Cataract is one of the most common complications seen in phakic patients following PPV, and the incidence of it ranges from 4 to 80%, even up to 100% in various studies. Although phacoemulsification in previously vitrectomized eyes is a relatively safe procedure comparing with extracapsular cataract surgery, it is still more challenging than in eyes without previous vitrectomy because of the anatomical differences after PPV. Intraoperative difficulties such as abnormal anterior chamber deepening, unstable posterior capsules, and weakened zonules have been reported. The investigators aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new simple iris hook assisted maneuver in phacoemulsification, then compare the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications of this technique with traditional phacoemulsification and phacoemulsification with 25-gauge vitreous irrigation. The latter two surgery methods are currently popular for cataract in vitrectomized eyes.