An objective evaluation of lens transparency after vitrectomy surgery with different intravitreal tamponades.

Purpose: To evaluate and compare the effects of different intraocular tamponade agents on lens density after vitrectomy.

Methods: The participating patients were divided into four groups according to the tamponade agent used: a sulfur hexafluoride (SF) group, a perfluoropropane (CF) group, a silicone oil group, and a no tamponade group. Lens density measurements were performed preoperatively and two weeks, one month, and three months postoperatively using a Pentacam HR device with a Scheimpflug camera. The postoperative values were compared with the preoperative baseline values, also the values were compared between the four groups.

Results: The study included 82 eyes (82 patients). In the SF group, lens density significantly increased in all zones two weeks and one and three months postoperatively (all P < .05). In the CF group, lens density significantly increased in all zones three months postoperatively (all P < .01). In the silicone oil group, the zone 1, zone 2, and average lens density (ALD) value significantly increased one and three months postoperatively (all P < .05). In the no tamponade group, the zone 1, zone 2, and ALD values significantly increased three months postoperatively (all P < .05). There were no significant differences between the four groups in any zone either preoperatively or postoperatively (all P > .05).

Conclusions: Although increases in lens density were observed earlier in the tamponade groups than in the no tamponade group, between the groups over the follow-up period were no differences. We need the development of new surgical methods and materials to prevent post-vitrectomy lens damage in the future.