Our Summary

This research paper focused on studying how effective and safe a specific eye surgery, called a 25-gauge vitrectomy combined with intrascleral intraocular lens implantation, was for patients with certain eye conditions. They performed this surgery on 39 patients who had a dislocated lens, a dislocated intraocular lens, or were missing a lens.

They looked at several factors after the surgery like the patient’s visual sharpness, the pressure inside their eyes, the number of cells on the inner surface of the cornea, the position of the implanted lens, whether the lens remained in the right place, how often the lens became dislocated again, and any complications.

One week after the surgery, the implanted lens was in the right position in all patients. After a month, it was still in the right position in 92.3% of patients. In one patient, a part of the lens was visible under the conjunctiva (the clear tissue covering the white part of the eye). In two patients, the lens had to be repositioned because it got dislocated. Three to six months after surgery, the lenses were still in the right position in 92.3% of patients.

In terms of vision and eye pressure, they found significant improvements at different times after surgery compared to before surgery. In conclusion, the study found that this type of surgery is effective and safe for treating certain eye conditions when the capsule that normally holds the lens is not present.

FAQs

  1. What is the success rate of the 25-gauge vitrectomy combined with intrascleral intraocular lens implantation in terms of lens positioning?
  2. What changes were observed in visual acuity and intraocular pressure after the 25-gauge vitrectomy combined with intrascleral intraocular lens implantation?
  3. Is the 25-gauge vitrectomy combined with intrascleral intraocular lens implantation considered a safe and effective treatment for eyes without capsular support?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about vitrectomy is to carefully follow postoperative instructions, including keeping the eye clean and avoiding activities that could put strain on the eye. It is also important to attend all follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and address any potential complications early on.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended vitrectomy include those with lens dislocation, IOL dislocation, or aphakia. These patients may have experienced complications related to their previous cataract surgery or may have structural abnormalities in the eye that require surgical intervention. Vitrectomy combined with intrascleral IOL implantation has been shown to be effective and safe for these types of patients, leading to improvements in visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and overall anatomical success of the IOL.

Timeline

  • Before vitrectomy: The patient may experience symptoms such as blurred vision, floaters, or flashes of light. They will undergo a comprehensive eye examination to determine the need for vitrectomy.
  • Day of vitrectomy: The patient will undergo the surgical procedure, which involves removing the vitreous gel from the eye and potentially placing an intrascleral IOL.
  • 1 week postoperatively: The IOL is in the centered position in all patients, and visual acuity may improve.
  • 1 month postoperatively: The IOL remains centered in the majority of patients, and visual acuity continues to improve.
  • 3 to 6 months postoperatively: The IOLs are in the optimum position in the majority of patients, and visual acuity and intraocular pressure are significantly improved compared to before surgery.
  • Overall, the patient experiences improved visual acuity and reduced intraocular pressure after vitrectomy combined with intrascleral IOL implantation, with few complications reported.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the success rate of a 25G vitrectomy combined with intrascleral IOL implantation for my specific condition?
  2. What are the potential complications or risks associated with this procedure?
  3. How long is the recovery period after undergoing a vitrectomy with intrascleral IOL implantation?
  4. Will I need to undergo any additional procedures or follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  5. How will my vision be affected after the procedure?
  6. What are the chances of recurrence of IOL dislocation after the surgery?
  7. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after the procedure?
  8. What are the alternatives to a vitrectomy with intrascleral IOL implantation for my condition?
  9. Will I need to use any special eye drops or medications after the surgery?
  10. How experienced are you in performing this type of procedure and what is your success rate with it?

Reference

Authors: Luo S, Yu J, Ding N, Chen Y, Wu Z. Journal: Medicine (Baltimore). 2020 Jul 24;99(30):e21173. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000021173. PMID: 32791691