Vitrectomy Without Removal of the Posterior Hyaloid for Retained Lens Fragments and Posteriorly Dislocated Intraocular lenses

Purpose: To study the outcome of vitrectomy without removal of the posterior hyaloid in patients with retained lens fragments or posteriorly dislocated intraocular lenses (IOLs) without retinal breaks or detachment.Methods: Such patients were identified who had vitrectomy without removal of the posterior hyaloid for retained lens fragments or posteriorly dislocated IOLs. Only patients who have no preoperative or intraoperative evidence of retinal breaks or retinal detachment were included in the study. Theretained fragments were removed using vitreous cutter, phacofragmentation, or floatation and limbal delivery. Posteriorly dislocated IOLs were removed by floatation and limbal delivery.Results: Twelve patients with retained lens fragments, and five patients with posteriorly dislocated IOLs were identified. The follow-up period ranged from 3-17 months (median = 9 months). None of the patients developed retinal breaks or retinal detachment during the follow-up period. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ranged from 0.2 to 1.0 (mean = 0.6).Conclusion: In the absence of retinal breaks or detachment, removal of the posterior hyaloid during vitrectomy for retained lens fragments or posteriorly dislocated IOLs may be unnecessary.