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 measu re during cataract surgery for prevention of aqueous misdirection in high-r isk fellow eyes. METHODS: Chart review of two patients with severe aqueous misdirection in t heir first eye at the time of cataract surgery that only responded to pars plana vitrectomy, RESULTS: In both patients, cataract extraction with posterior chamber intra ocular lens implantation was initially performed after pars plana vitrectom y, with the creation of hyaloido-capsulo-iridotomy to establish a communica tion 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 develop ing aqueous misdirection. (C) 2000 by Elsevier Science Inc. All rights rese rved.