Objective: To observe and evaluate the outcome of vitrectomy in the treatment of dropped lens fragments.
Method: Retrospectively the authors reviewed and analyzed 58 cases of dropped lens fragments that were treated with vitrectomy from October 1992 to October 1995 in Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia and followed for at least 3 months.
Results: At the last follow-up, the remained complications were cystoid macular edema in three cases (5.2%), retinal detachment in two cases (3.4%) and hypotony in one case (1.7%). Other complications were all resolved. The final vision was significantly better than that before vitrectomy. There were 38 eyes (65.5%) with final visual acuities of 0.5 or better, and only 6 eyes (6.9%) with < 0.05.
Conclusion: Once the lens fragments are dropped into the vitreous during phacoemulsification, the ocular anterior segment should be properly managed, if possible intraocular lens is inserted, and then vitrectomy should be performed as soon as possible. Generally, with the above method good therapeutic effects can be obtained.