SMALL-GAUGE VITRECTOMY DOES NOT PROTECT AGAINST NUCLEAR SCLEROTIC CATARACT

Abstract

Removal of the vitreous gel using any-gauge vitrectomy surgery leads to significant progression of nuclear sclerotic cataract at 6 months and 12 months. The findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the vitreous gel is important in protecting the lens from increased exposure to oxygen that leads to the formation of nuclear sclerotic cataract. This increased exposure to oxygen occurs as a result of removing the vitreous gel and is independent of the gauge of vitrectomy instrumentation.