Phacoemulsification combined with silicone oil removal through the posterior capsulorhexis tear.

Objective: To evaluate phacoemulsification combined with silicone oil removal through the posterior capsulorhexis tear.

Methods: The records of 20 patients with cataract after silicone oil repair of retinal detachment with giant retinal tear or complicated by proliferative vitreoretinopathy were reviewed. All eyes underwent phacoemulsification, posterior capsulorhexis, aspiration of silicone oil with an irrigation-aspiration hand piece, and intraocular lens implantation into the capsular bag. Lens calculation was based on the fellow eye. The mean follow-up period after cataract surgery was 15.4 months.

Results: There were three recurrences of retinal detachment (15%). Transient corneal edema was noted in two eyes. Unpredictable refraction was the main problem, but the myopic refractive error was <4.5 diopters in all cases.

Conclusions: Cataract extraction combined with silicone oil removal is an effective technique.