To compare lens-save and simultaneous phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation in primary vitrectomy for phakic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).

A retrospective comparative analysis of 54 consecutive eyes from 54 phakic RRD patients who underwent vitrectomy with a minimum of 12 months of follow-up was performed. The patients were divided into the vitrectomy group and the combined group (patients who underwent vitrectomy with concurrent cataract surgery). The main outcome measures were the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), anatomical success rate, complications and cataract status according to LOCSIII grading.

Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups, except for age and cataract status. The mean age was 46.9 year in the vitrectomy group (n = 20) and 60.5 years in the combined group (n = 34) ( p < 0.001). The postoperative BCVA (log MAR) improved from 1.27 and 1.30 at baseline to 0.45 and 0.28 at 12 months ( p < 0.05), respectively, which was not a significant difference between the 2 groups. In the vitrectomy group, cataract status was changed from 1.8 at baseline to 2.5 at 12 months ( p = 0.001). Two patients (11.1%) had an additional cataract surgery performed. The primary anatomical success rate was 90.0% in the vitrectomy group and 94.1% in the combined group.

The vitrectomy group and combined group had similar results in the repair of phakic RRD. Although postoperative cataract progression was noted, lens should be saved in vitrectomy for young patients, as significant cataract is uncommon.