Effect of Air Tamponade on Tilt of the Intraocular Lens after Phacovitrectomy.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to examine whether air tamponade has a significant effect on postoperative tilt of the intraocular lens (IOL) in combined phacoemulsification with implantation of an IOL and vitrectomy compared to balanced salt solution. PROCEDURES This randomized, controlled, monocentre study included patients scheduled for combined phacoemulsification with IOL implantation and pars plana vitrectomy. Patients were randomized for balanced salt solution or air tamponade. Postoperative tilt and decentration of the IOL were measured 2 months after surgery with a Purkinje meter. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients were included into the analysis. Tilt of the IOL was on average 4.1 ± 1.9°, without significant differences between balanced salt solution and air tamponade (p = 0.462). Decentration of the IOL was on average 0.31 ± 0.14 mm, without significant differences between balanced salt solution and air tamponade (p = 0.42). CONCLUSIONS: Air tamponade does not induce significantly more tilt or decentration of the IOL in combined phacoemulsification and vitrectomy compared to balanced salt solution. Potentially, this may not hold true for cases with a capsulorhexis that does not overlap the IOL optic.