Anterior vitrectomy is a surgical step performed when vitreous gel moves forward into the anterior chamber after posterior capsule rupture.
The vitreous normally occupies the back compartment of the eye. If the capsule tears, vitreous strands can prolapse through the defect. These strands must be carefully removed because they can:
- Cause traction on the retina
- Increase the risk of retinal tears
- Block intraocular lens positioning
- Contribute to post-operative inflammation
Anterior vitrectomy uses a high-speed vitreous cutter to remove prolapsed gel while preserving retinal stability ¹. It restores separation between front and back segments of the eye and allows safe placement of an appropriate intraocular lens, usually a three-piece monofocal lens in the sulcus.
When performed promptly and correctly, anterior vitrectomy reduces the risk of long-term complications such as retinal detachment and cystoid macular oedema ² ³.
Modern surgical systems provide controlled cutting with simultaneous aspiration to minimise traction ¹. The goal is stability, not speed.
The need for vitrectomy indicates structural management, not catastrophic failure. It is a recognised and well-established method of controlling capsule complications.
References
- Chang DF, Braga-Mele R, Henderson BA, Mamalis N, Vasavada A. ASCRS clinical committee report: intraoperative management of posterior capsule rupture. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2014;40(8):1360-1372.
- Day AC, Donachie PHJ, Sparrow JM, Johnston RL. National Ophthalmology Database study of cataract surgery. Eye (Lond). 2015;29(4):552-560.
- Erie JC, Raecker ME, Baratz KH, Schleck CD, Robertson DM. Risk of retinal detachment after cataract extraction. Ophthalmology. 2006;113(11):2026-2032.
Related Topics
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- Can I go to Moorfields for a second opinion instead?
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- What is anterior vitrectomy and why is it performed after PCR?
- What is a three-piece monofocal lens and why is it used after PCR?
- What is a sulcus supplementary (Sulcoflex) lens?
- What is dropped nucleus and why does it happen after PCR?
- What is expulsive suprachoroidal haemorrhage and why is it mentioned with PCR?
- Why does pseudoexfoliation increase the risk of PCR?
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