Home › Trials › NCT06997874

Comparing vitrectomy alone to vitrectomy with cataract removal for retinal detachment

Clinical- and Cost-effectiveness, Safety and Acceptability of Sequential Vitrectomy and Cataract Surgery vs Combined Phacovitrectomy for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: Randomised Equivalence Trial

PHASE3 · Queen's University, Belfast · NCT06997874

This study is testing whether doing just vitrectomy or adding cataract removal helps older adults with retinal detachment see better and have fewer problems after surgery.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment276 (estimated)
Ages50 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorQueen's University, Belfast (other)
Locations27 sites (Aylesbury and 26 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06997874 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to determine the best surgical approach for treating rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) in adults aged 50 and older who have not previously undergone cataract surgery. It compares outcomes between patients receiving only vitrectomy and those undergoing a combined procedure of vitrectomy and cataract removal. The study will assess the effectiveness of each approach in terms of retinal reattachment and vision improvement. Participants will be monitored for complications and overall visual outcomes following their respective surgeries.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 50 and older with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment who are not highly myopic and have not had previous vitreoretinal surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with established cataracts, high myopia, or those who have undergone previous vitreoretinal surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical strategies that enhance vision recovery and reduce complications for patients with retinal detachment.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on combined vitrectomy and cataract surgery for RRD, previous studies suggest that vitrectomy alone is effective, making this approach a potentially novel exploration.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults ≥50 years of age
* Non-highly myopic (\< -6 diopters; ≤26.5 mm axial length) phakic RRD
* Naive to previous vitreoretinal surgery
* Pars plana vitrectomy is planned to repair their RRD

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of a "formed/established cataract." A "formed/established cataract" is defined as a cataract that, based on the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) Research Group, is graded as nuclear sclerosis of \>3 and/or if there is an anterior cortical cataract and/or a subcapsular posterior cataract involving the visual axis.
* Pseudophakia or aphakia
* High myopia (≥ -6 diopters; \>26.5 mm axial length)
* Giant retinal tear (i.e. presence of one or more retinal tears of \>3 clock hours in size)
* Retinal dialysis
* Inclusion in an investigational drug study
* Declined consent for participation

Where this trial is running

Aylesbury and 26 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment, Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, phacovitrectomy, vitrectomy, cataract, vitreoretinal surgery

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.