Pars plana vitrectomy during cataract surgery for prevention of aqueous misdirection in high-risk fellow eyes

PURPOSE: To report the use of pars plana vitrectomy as a prophylactic measure during cataract surgery for prevention of aqueous misdirection in high-risk fellow eyes. METHODS: Chart review of two patients with severe aqueous misdirection in their first eye at the time of cataract surgery that only responded to pars plana vitrectomy. RESULTS: In both patients, cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation was initially performed after pars plana vitrectomy, with the creation of hyaloido-capsulo- iridotomy to establish a communication between the vitreous cavity and the anterior chamber. CONCLUSION: Pars plana vitrectomy as a prophylactic measure during cataract surgery may have a beneficial role in fellow eyes at high risk for developing aqueous misdirection. (C) 2000 by Elsevier Science Inc.