Objective  To observe the application of high-speed vitrectomy system in combined surgery of phacoemulsification and vitrectomy.

  Methods  Eighty-one patients (86 eyes) aged over 60 years with degree Ⅱ lens opacity and vitreous retinal disorders treated between October 2012 and March 2013 were enrolled. The patients included 43 males (46 eyes) and 38 females (40 eyes), at a mean age of (72.1±10.5)years (60-83 years). All the patients received routine ophthalmological examination, A/B mode ultrasound, and intraocular lens degree testing. With a 23G minimally invasive incision, phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation were performed after closed the intraocular perfusion. With the viscoelastic agent left in the anterior chamber, high-speed vitrectomy was conducted using Resight noncontact wide-angle lens system, finished by filling with silicone oil, C₃F₈, or intraocular infusion fluid. Visual acuity, fundus condition, and postoperative complications of the patients were observed.

  Results  The combined surgery was successfully performed in all the patients, with a mean operation time of (48.0±12.6)minutes (35-65 minutes). Among the 86 eyes, vision was improved in 80 eyes (93.0%), unchanged in 5 eyes (5.8%), and deteriorated in 1 eye (1.2%). After the surgery, 10 eyes (11.6%) developed corneal edema, and 25 (29.1%) showed anterior chamber reaction, all mitigated by treatment after 1 week. No other complications were reported.

  Conclusions  For the elderly patients with degree II lens opacity and the need of vitrectomy, the high-speed vitrectomy combined with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation can rapidly improve eyesight and reduce the incidence of postoperative complications.