Pars plana versus limbal lensectomy in soft cataract.

With the use of automated vitrectomy instruments a new dimension has been added to the treatment of soft cataracts. Surgical approach through the limbus and pars plicata has been described previously. This work is to compare the results of both surgical techniques. Twenty eyes of soft cataract underwent lensectomy and vitrectomy using the vitrophage. Pars plana approach was applied to 10 eyes, while limbal approach was applied to the rest of the cases. No major preoperative or postoperative complication were encountered in both techniques in a follow up period up to 12 months. However, pars plana lensectomy and vitrectomy offers many advantages over the limbal one with minimal complications.