Delayed vitreous prolapse after cataract surgery: clinical features and surgical outcomes

This study investigates the etiology and clinical features of delayed vitreous prolapse after cataract surgery and evaluates the long-term surgical and visual outcomes. Consecutive patients with vitreous prolapse into the anterior chamber occurring ≥ 3 months after cataract surgery at two hospitals between December 2006 and June 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The primary outcome was associated ophthalmological events that triggered delayed vitreous prolapse. Secondary outcomes included long-term visual and subjective symptom changes after treatment. Among 20 eyes (20 patients), all had visual symptoms, the most common being blurry vision (12 patients; 60%). Five (25%) were detected after YAG laser capsulotomy, three (15%) had a history of intraocular lens(IOL) implantation in sulcus due to intraoperative posterior capsular tears, three (15%) had prolapsed vitreous alongside dislocated IOLs, and three (15%) were aphakic after previous cataract surgeries. After surgical treatment, the mean corrected distance visual acuity improved from 20/50 to 20/31(P = 0.02) and the mean preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) that was 26.4 mmHg decreased to 15.6 mmHg, remaining stable until the last follow-up. All reported symptoms were relieved. YAG laser capsulotomy or a history of defective posterior capsule from iatrogenic causes may trigger delayed vitreous prolapse. The long-term outcomes were favorable, particularly after posterior vitrectomy, with improved IOP control and symptom resolution.