Lens opacities after pars plana vitrectomy with intraocular SF6 gas tamponade

Aim of the study:
Aim of the study: To analyse development and progression of cataracts after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with intraocular SF6 gas tamponade.

Material and methods:
For this study, the authors analysed the data of 19 patients who underwent PPV with intraocular SF6 gas tamponade prior to cataract phacoemulsification.

Results:
In the group of 19 patients (19 eyes; 12 women and 7 men; mean age 65 ±8.4 years) average time between PPV with intraocular SF6 gas tamponade and cataract phacoemulsification was estimated as 267 days (9 months). Average visual acuity a month after vitrectomy was 0.2. Average visual acuity at the time of qualification for cataract surgery was 0.08. The multiple linear regression model showed that time to cataract surgery was associated with visual acuity a month after vitrectomy (p = 0.006).

Conclusions:
The development and progression of nuclear cataracts may be influenced by many factors such as the process of lens oxidation, the use of infusion fluids, light toxicity, duration of vitrectomy or the type of endotamponade. The key to preventing cataract formation after vitrectomy is still elusive.