CHANGE IN POSTOPERATIVE REFRACTIVE ERROR WHEN VITRECTOMY IS ADDED TO INTRAOCULAR-LENS IMPLANTATION

Purpose: To compare the actual and expected refractive errors after in traocular lens (IOL) implantation alone with those after IOL implantat ion with simultaneous vitrectomy. Setting: Shinjo Eye Clinic, Miyazaki , Japan. Method: One hundred thirty-six eyes had cataract extraction a nd implantation of a single-piece IOL using a frown incision, continuo us annular anterior capsule tear, phacoemulsification, and intracapsul ar lens fixation. Thirty-six eyes also had vitrectomy. Results: Mean p ostoperative refractive error was 0.55 diopter (D) +/- 1.34 (SD) in ey es having no vitrectomy and 0.04 +/- 1.24 D in those having vitrectomy . The difference between groups was statistically significant (P = .04 7; t-test). Conclusion: The refraction after simultaneous IOL implanta tion and vitrectomy shifted toward myopia by a mean of 0.50 D compared with that after IOL implantation alone.