Outcome of Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Dropped Nucleus, Nucleus Fragment, and Intraocular Lens: A Hospital – Based Study

Doi: 10.36351/pjo.v41i3.2028

Abstract

Purpose:  To evaluate the visual outcomes and complications of pars plana vitrectomy performed for dropped nucleus, nuclear fragments, and dislocated intraocular lenses.

Study Design:  Interventional case series.

Place and Duration of Study:  Layton Rahmatulla Benevolent Trust Hospital, Karachifrom January 2024 to December 2024.

Methods:  A total of 50 patients of either gender, categorized into three age groups (<50 years, 50–70 years, and >70 years), were included in the study based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for qualitative variables. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test, a non-parametric method, was used to compare paired groups. The chi-square test was employed to assess associations between categorical variables. A p-value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant for all analyses.

Results:  The mean age of the patients was 57.20±16.27 years. The best-corrected visual acuity before and after the PPV was 1.06±0.71 (range 0.30-3.00) and 0.57±0.37 (range 0.30-2.00), respectively. The difference in best-corrected visual acuity before and after the procedure was significant (p<0.001).The results also showed that there is no significant association of post-procedure complications with age group (p=0.688), gender (p=1.000), eye laterality (p=0.324), surgical technique (p=0.999), drop of nuclear fragment, nucleus, and IOL (p=0.310), location of IOL placement (p=0.359), the timing of pars plana vitrectomy (p=0.783), nucleus removal method (p=0.977).

Conclusion:  Pars plana vitrectomy significantly improves visual outcomes in patients with dropped nucleus, nuclear fragments, or dislocated intraocular lenses, with no significant association between post-procedure complications and demographic or surgical variables.

Keywords:  Pars-Plana vitrectomy, Nucleus, Intraocular lens, Cataract.