Outcomes of dropped nucleus during phacoemulsification

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical outcome of vitrectomy in the management of dropped nucleus during phacoemulsification. Method: Twenty-five consecutive patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy for the management of dropped nucleus from phacoemulsification, over a 36-month period, were studied. Twenty-two patients underwent vitrectomy within 15 days of cataract surgery. Most of the patients were followed for more than 6 months. Results: Final visual acuity was 20/40 or better in 71% (17/24) of eyes and 20/50 in 8% (2/24). Visual acuity was 20/70 or worse in 21% (5/24) of patients. Complications included persistent cystoid macular edema in three eyes, epimacular proliferation in two eyes, and a choroidal detachment in one eye. Conclusion: Poor visual outcome after dropped nucleus at phacoemulsification cataract extraction can be avoided if managed by prompt pars plana vitrectomy.