VISUAL AND ANATOMICAL OUTCOMES OF COMBINED PHACOVITRECTOMY VS VITRECTOMY ALONE

Abstract

Objective: To compare the postoperative BCVA at various intervals between the Phacovitrectomy and Vitrectomy Alone groups, examining the efficacy of each surgical approach in achieving visual acuity improvements.

Study Setting:

Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical and Dental College, Faisalabad

Study Duration: Aug 2024 to Feb ’25

Methodology: Randomization was done with the help of computer and two groups were generated Group A: Combined Phacovitrectomy: Cataract surgery (phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation) followed by vitrectomy. Standardized surgical techniques and intraoperative measures to ensure consistency. Group B: Vitrectomy Alone: Vitrectomy performed without concomitant cataract surgery. Standardized surgical techniques and intraoperative measures to ensure consistency. Primary outcome was in terms of change in best-corrected visual acuity post-surgery at specific intervals whereas secondary outcomes include assessing anatomical outcomes. The study involves 90 cases (45 per group) with calculated power, significance level, and expected success rates.

Results: Demographic and clinical characteristics between the Combined (n=45) and Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) groups (n=45) were compared. No significant differences in age, BCVA, or gender were observed, providing insights into baseline characteristics. Postoperatively, BCVA improvements were noted in both groups, with a significant difference favoring PPV at the final follow-up (p=0.000). The occurrence of retinal detachment showed a slight numerical difference between groups, but no significant disparity (p=0.398), indicating relatively low overall rates in both the Combined (4.4%) and PPV (8.9%) groups. Conclusion: The combined phacoemulsification and pars plana vitrectomy emerge as a safe and effective approach for treating retinal detachment, showing comparable anatomical and functional outcomes to PPV with delayed cataract surgery.