Although pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) is the standard surgical treatment for idiopathic epiretinal membrane (IERM), the optimal timing of cataract surgery in phakic patients remains a topic of discussion. In a retrospective study of 85 phakic eyes, investigators compared outcomes following 25-gauge PPV alone versus PPV combined with uncomplicated cataract surgery over a 12-month follow-up. Both approaches resulted in significant improvements in metamorphopsia and reductions in central macular thickness, with no meaningful differences in these outcomes between the groups.

However, patients undergoing the combined procedure experienced significantly greater improvements in best-corrected visual acuity at one year. These findings suggest that combining cataract surgery with vitrectomy may enhance visual recovery without compromising anatomical outcomes in appropriately selected patients…