Iris neovascularization after vitrectomy combined with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation for proliferative diabetic retinopathy

PURPOSE: To analyze the incidence of iris neovascularization after vitrectomy combined with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation using a small incision in the treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied a consecutive series of 46 eyes in which vitrectomy combined with phacoemulsification and IOL implantation had been performed, and compared the surgical results with a prior series of 40 eyes in which vitrectomy alone had been performed. RESULTS: Postoperative iris and angle neovascularization was found in 6 eyes (15%) treated by vitrectomy alone, but in only 1 eye (2%) treated by combined vitrectomy (P<0.05). Final visual acuity improved by two or more lines in 23 eyes (57%) in the vitrectomy alone group, and in 35 eyes (76%) in the combined vitrectomy group. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of postoperative rubeosis iridis was significantly lower, and the visual results were satisfactory with vitrectomy combined with phacoemulsification and IOL implantation for PDR. These findings suggest that combined vitrectomy for PDR is a useful surgical procedure.