Central Pars Plana Vitrectomy + Phacoemulsification + Intraocular Lens Implantation in Patients with Small Eyes, Cataract, and Narrow Anterior Chambers

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of central pars plana vitrectomy + phacoemulsification + intraocular lens implantation in patients with small eyes, cataract, and narrow chambers. METHODS: This prospective study was carried out in 89 eyes of 58 patients undergoing central pars plana vitrectomy + phacoemulsification + IOL implantation in small eyes with cataract at Clínica La Luz Eye Institute in Lima, Peru. RESULTS: The mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.8±0.6 preoperatively, 0.5±0.6 at 1 month, 0.3±0.3 at 6 months, 0.1±0.1 at 9 months, and 0.05±0.1 at 1 year, which was statistically significant from the preoperative period to 1 year of follow-up. Mean intraocular pressure was 22.09±2.4 mmHg preoperatively, 14.55±2.9 mmHg at 1 day, 12.94±2.04 mmHg at 1 month, 12.01±1.2 mmHg at 6 months, 12.20±1.9 mmHg at 9 months, and 11.34±1.1 mmHg at 1 year. The reduction in the intraocular pressure from the preoperative control period to the follow-up at 1 year was statistically significant. There was only one complication, a rupture of the posterior capsule, which was quickly resolved. CONCLUSION: Central pars plana vitrectomy with phacoemulsification is a safe and effective technique to perform in narrow chambers with all types of cataracts, in experienced hands, which can avoid intraoperative complications.