Posterior chamber lens implantation following pars plana lensectomy and vitrectomy in severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy

In two patients secondary cataracts developed after pars plana vitrectomy. In both cases the lens was removed from the pars plana, and the anterior capsule was kept intact. In one patient a posterior chamber lens was placed in the ciliary sulcus 3 months after the lens had been removed, and in the other patient a posterior chamber lens was implanted intraoperatively after pars plana lensectomy and vitrectomy. Improved visual results were obtained in both cases, and there was no evidence of rubeosis or elevated intraocular pressure. In selected cases preservation of the anterior capsule may be important to implant posterior chamber lenses in eyes requiring pars plana lensectomy and vitrectomy. To our knowledge this technique has not previously been reported.