Phacoemulsification and foldable intraocular lens implantation combined with vitrectomy and silicone oil tamponade for severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy

PURPOSE: To determine the clinical outcomes of phacoemulsification and foldable intraocular lens (IOL) implantation combined with primary vitrectomy and silicone oil tamponade to treat severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, and Seoul Artificial Eye Center, Seoul National University Hospital Clinical Research Institute, Seoul, Korea. METHODS: The results of combined cataract surgery and silicone oil injection in 20 eyes (20 patients) were retrospectively analyzed. All patients had tractional or tractional-rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and clinically significant lens opacities; none had previous intraocular surgery. An acrylic foldable IOL was implanted in the capsular bag or ciliary sulcus. RESULTS: Primary anatomic success was achieved in 90% of eyes. Functional success was attained in 60% of eyes after a mean follow-up of 7.6 months. The postoperative visual acuity improved in 60% of patients, was unchanged in 20%, and was worse in 20%. Silicone oil was removed in 80% of patients without complications after a mean of 3.4 months. The mean absolute value of the difference between the predicted refraction and postoperative refraction was 0.74 diopter (D) (range 0.03 to 1.74 D). CONCLUSION: Phacoemulsification and foldable IOL implantation combined with primary vitrectomy and silicone oil tamponade was performed safely with favorable anatomic and visual outcomes in eyes with severe PDR.