Background: Cataract formation or acceleration can occur after intraocular surgery, especially following vitrectomy, a surgical technique for removing the vitreous used in the treatment of disorders that affect the posterior segment of the eye.
Objectives: The objective of this review was to evaluate benefits and adverse outcomes of surgery for post-vitrectomy cataract with respect to visual acuity, quality of life, and other outcomes.
Search strategy: We searched the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (CENTRAL) (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group Trials Register) (The Cochrane Library, Issue 4, 2007), MEDLINE, EMBASE, Latin America and Caribbean Health Sciences (LILACS) and the UK Clinical Research Network Portfolio Database (UKCRN). The databases were last searched on 18 January 2008. We also searched www.clinicaltrials.gov, www.controlled-trials.com, and www.actr.org.au in December 2007, in case pertinent trials were registered and were nearing completion.
Selection criteria: We planned to include randomized and quasi-randomized trials comparing cataract surgery with no surgery in adult patients who developed cataract following vitrectomy.
Data collection and analysis: Two authors screened the search results independently. No studies were eligible for inclusion in the review.
Main results: We found no randomized or quasi-randomized trials comparing cataract surgery with no cataract surgery for patients developing cataracts following vitrectomy surgery.
Authors' conclusions: There is no evidence from randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials on which to base clinical recommendations for surgery for post-vitrectomy cataract.