Results of anterior chamber clearance via the pars plana in pseudophakic endophthalmitis.

PURPOSE

Patients with endophthalmitis have extensive fibrinous exudates in the anterior chamber. Clearance of these exudates in pseudophakic patients during vitrectomy is difficult. We evaluated the results of the pars plana approach for clearing these exudates.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eighteen patients with pseudophakic endophthalmitis underwent clearance of anterior chamber exudates through the pars plana approach after initial creation of a peripheral iridectomy with a vitrectome.

RESULTS

The exudates were adequately cleared in all 18 patients with good posterior segment visualization during vitrectomy. Minor punctate iris bleeds (4 patients), intraoperative dislocation of the intraocular lens (IOL) (1 patient) and postoperative dislocation of the IOL following blunt trauma, 9 months after vitrectomy (1 patient) were the complications noted.

CONCLUSION

This technique is simple, safe and helps clearing anterior chamber exudates. It also permits excellent visualization during vitrectomy for pseudophakic endophthalmitis.