Impact of phacoemulsification on posterior vitreous detachment formation in eyes with vitreomacular traction

Purpose: To investigate the impact of phacoemulsification on posterior vitreous detachment formation in eyes with vitreomacular traction (VMT) with or without macular holes. Methods: A retrospective search of the medical records was conducted to identify patients with VMT who underwent cataract surgery at Mass Eye and Ear from 2016 to 2021. Patient demographics, ocular comorbidities, and clinical characteristics were extracted from the record, and optical coherence tomography images were assessed to confirm VMT and the presence of a lamellar or full-thickness macular hole (FMTH). Patients who underwent vitrectomy prior to cataract surgery were excluded. Results: A total of 22 patients (15 women [68%]) met inclusion criteria (average age, 71 years). Fifteen eyes had an associated epiretinal membrane (63%), 7 had a lamellar hole (29%), and 8 had an FTMH (33%). Epiretinal membrane was present in 3 of 7 eyes with lamellar holes (43%) and 4 of 8 with a FTMH (50%). No eyes developed a complete posterior vitreous detachment following phacoemulsification. In 2 cases, there was progression of the macular hole stage following phacoemulsification. Ten eyes underwent subsequent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). There was no statistically significant difference in visual acuity between eyes pre- and post-phacoemulsification; however, there was a statistically significant improvement in visual acuity pre- and post-PPV. Conclusions: Unlike other studies, in this case series of 24 eyes with VMT or VMT with holes, no cases of full posterior vitreous detachment occurred following unremarkable phacoemulsification or YAG capsulotomy.