Purpose: To demonstrate the outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy in patients with custom flexible iris prosthesis (CFIP).
Methods: The medical records of patients who underwent CFIP placement were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy concurrent with or after placement of CFIP were identified. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative parameters were analyzed. Surgeons were surveyed regarding the technical aspects of the vitreoretinal surgery. Outcome measures included: anatomic success, complications, surgeon-rated ease of visualization through CFIP during pars plana vitrectomy, and Snellen best-corrected visual acuity.
Results: Twenty-four surgeries were performed in 20 eyes of 20 patients. Postoperative best-corrected visual acuity improved in 11 eyes (55%), remained unchanged in 5 eyes (25%), and declined in 4 eyes (20%) after a mean follow-up of 16.1 ± 16.\nths (range: 3-53 months). No intraoperative complications were noted. Short-term anatomical success was 100%. Postoperative complications occurred in five eyes (recurrent retinal detachment in three eyes, recurrent epiretinal membrane in 1 eye, and CFIP and intraocular lens subluxation in 1 eye).
Conclusion: Visualization for pars plana vitrectomy with the assistance of both direct and wide angle viewing systems through the 3.35 mm pseudopupil of a CFIP is viable in the surgical management of complex vitreoretinal diseases.