In order to assess the relationships between vitrectomy and postoperative crystalline lens changes we reviewed the records of 298 selected cases of operated retinal detachments in phakic eyes. We compared two groups: 155 eyes were operated with cryotherapy, vitrectomy and gas injection. 143 eyes received cryotherapy and retro-hyaloid fluid-gas exchange. Follow-up of at least 12 months and detailed description of the lens were available in 90 cases and 82 cases of the two groups respectively. Postoperative lens changes were as follows: nuclear sclerosis occurred in 63% of the vitrectomised eyes, mild in 14%, moderate in 16%, severe in 32%. In contrast, nuclear sclerosis occurred in only 4% of the non vitrectomised eyes, all these cases were noted as moderate. Posterior subcapsular opacities occurred in 4.5% of the vitrectomised eyes versus 2.4% of the non vitrectomised eyes. Nuclear sclerotic changes were correlated with vitrectomy and longer follow-up. Posterior subcapsular cataract was correlated with vitrectomy and larger intraocular gas bubble.