ABSTRACT
The removal of a lens or cataract via the pars plana was introduced coincidentally with vitrectomy by the same approach. The ultrasonic fragmentation tip serves as the standard instrument for pars plana lensectomy. Phacoemulsification allows the removal of a lens through a small wound, but in selected cases there is a benefit to the pars plana lensectomy technique. When performing a pars plana vitrectomy, lens removal should be contemplated whenever opacification prevents sufficient visualization of the retina and vitreous gel to complete the surgical objectives. The crystalline lens can be removed safely and efficiently via the pars plana using a standard 20-gauge fragmentation instrument in combination with a vitrectomy. Pars plana lensectomy is useful in managing patients with subluxation of the lens and vitreous prolapse into the anterior chamber. The technique of hydrodissection can be applied easily to pars plana lensectomy.
