Impact Of Phacoemulsification On Pre-Existing Vitreomacular Traction: A Prospective Study.

To compare the preoperative and postoperative status of vitreomacular traction (VMT) in phakic patients with pre-existing VMT undergoing phacoemulsification. The aim is to assess whether cataract surgery has an influence on the course of VMT, including persistence, spontaneous release, or progression.

Second Department of Ophthalmology, General Hospital Papageorgiou

In this prospective observational study, phakic patients with OCT-confirmed VMT scheduled for routine phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation are consecutively enrolled. All patients preoperatively undergo a comprehensive ophthalmic examination, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), evaluation of  metamorphopsia based on clinical history and Amsler tests, and imaging with spectral-domain OCT imaging.

The follow up is performed at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively. OCT assessment includes evaluation of posterior hyaloids adhesion at the posterior pole, the presence of VMT and measurement of the maximum length of the vitreoretinal adhesion. In addition, changes at the Amsler test and the BCVA are monitored.

Postoperative OCT follow-up is performed to identify whether VMT remains stable, resolves, or progresses after cataract surgery. The timing of any anatomical changes and their correlation to baseline OCT characteristics is being evaluated in order to identify possible patterns during the early and intermediate postoperative period.

Phacoemulsification may modify the mechanical dynamics at the vitreomacular interface in eyes with pre-existing VMT. Systematic preoperative identification and structured postoperative OCT monitoring may improve understanding of VMT behavior after cataract surgery and contribute to informed surgical planning and patient counseling.