Efficacy of core vitrectomy preceding triple corneal procedure

Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of core vitrectomy preceding triple corneal procedure (penetrating keratoplasty, extracapsular cataract extraction, and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation). Methods: Thirty one consecutive eyes of 31 patients with indication for triple corneal procedure were randomly assigned to either triple procedure with core vitrectomy (vitrectomy group) or without vitrectomy (control group). The success rate of IOL implantation, IOL positioning, intraoperative and postoperative complications, endothelial cell loss, and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were compared. Follow up period was six months. Factors that may contribute to vitreous pressure elevation were also investigated in each case. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in each clinical parameter examined except a tendency of facilitating IOL implantation (p=0.11). There were two cases of vitreous loss in the control group. Retinal detachment was not seen in any of the cases. The body mass index and age were related to higher vitreous pressure (p<0.05). Conclusion: Core vitrectomy preceding triple corneal procedure is not necessary for all cases.