Floaterectomy: combined phacoemulsification and deep anterior vitrectomy.

Abstract

We describe a 1-stage surgical technique to treat vitreous floaters. Phacoemulsification is combined with a deep anterior vitrectomy through a posterior curvilinear capsulorhexis followed by implantation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens. The technique was used in 10 eyes of 6 patients. Six months postoperatively, 8 eyes had a best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 6/6 with complete resolution of symptoms. Two eyes of 1 patient developed cystoid macular edema that reduced final BCVA to 6/18 bilaterally. In this case, the floaters may have been the result of previously undiagnosed intermediate uveitis.