Cataract extraction in the diabetic eye after vitrectomy.

We examined 289 phakic, diabetic eyes for evidence of cataract formation after a successful vitrectomy. Of 289 eyes, 107 (37%) developed or had significant progression of a cataract over a follow-up period of 16 to 108 months. Postvitrectomy hemorrhage and vitreous lavage were associated with an increased rate of cataract formation. Of the 107 eyes, 33 (31%) subsequently had cataract extraction, with 24 eyes (73%) treated by extracapsular cataract extraction and nine eyes (27%) with intracapsular surgery. A posterior chamber lens was used in 11 of the 24 eyes that underwent extracapsular surgery. Of the 33 eyes, 31 (94%) had improved visual acuity after cataract extraction. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were minimal and did not result in permanent reduction of vision. Intraocular lenses were well tolerated in the 11 patients in whom they were used.