AIM: To evaluate the characteristics, safety and effectiveness of phacoemulsification with complicated cataract after vitrectomy surgery.

METHODS:Thirty-nine patients(39 eyes)with complicated cataract after vitrectomy were operated by phacoemulsification, among which 23 eyes after silicon oil tamponade were combined with silicon oil removal. Preoperative and postoperative best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)and complications were recorded. The mean follow-up period was 10 months, with the range from 3 to 24 months.

RESULTS:There were no serious surgical complications. Postoperatively, BCVA improved in 37 eyes(95%), and did not change in 2 eyes(5%). No decreased visual acuity was observed on the patients. One case had recurrent retinal detachment at two weeks after silicon oil removal, and one case had vitreous hemorrhage at one month. Both eyes were treated with vitrectomy and silicon oil tamponade and were cured. Postoperative complications, such as choroidal hemorrhage, ocular hypotension and so on were not observed.

CONCLUSION: Cataract is complicated and surgery can be much more challenging after vitrectomy. Phacoemulsification is safe and effective for complicated cataract in vitrectomized eyes.