Effect of a modified soft contact lens combined with a noncontact wide-angle viewing system during vitrectomy.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy of a modified soft contact lens (MSCL) in maintaining intraoperative visual clarity and protecting the cornea during vitrectomy using a noncontact wide-angle viewing system. METHODS: Patients undergoing pars plana vitrectomy were randomly assigned to a balanced salt solution (BSS) group or an MSCL group. All surgeries were performed with a noncontact wide-angle viewing system. In the BSS group, the cornea was intermittently irrigated with BSS, whereas an MSCL was applied throughout surgery in the MSCL group. Surgical time, vitrectomy duration, intraoperative visual clarity, and frequency of corneal irrigation were recorded. Corneal epithelial edema, fluorescein staining, tear film breakup time, and central corneal thickness were assessed preoperatively and at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month postoperatively. Ocular Surface Disease Index scores were evaluated preoperatively and at 1 month. RESULTS: The MSCL group showed significantly better intraoperative visual clarity and corneal hydration than the BSS group (P < .05). Surgical time and vitrectomy duration were comparable between groups (P > .05). Corneal edema, fluorescein staining, and tear film breakup time at 1 day and 1 week were significantly improved in the MSCL group (P < .05), with no differences at 1 month. Ocular Surface Disease Index scores did not differ significantly between groups. CONCLUSION: MSCL use effectively protects the cornea and improves intraoperative visualization during vitrectomy without adversely affecting postoperative ocular surface comfort.