PURPOSE

To quantitatively assess pupillary functions after small pupil cataract surgery using the flexible iris retractor.

METHODS

Subjects were 11 patients (12 eyes) with small pupils who underwent phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. Pupils were enlarged using the flexible iris retractor intraoperatively, and postoperative iriscorder data were compared with the data of 20 normal controls who underwent standard phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation.

RESULTS

Although pupillary area before light stimulus did not differ between the groups, contraction rate after light stimulus was significantly lower in the small pupil group than in the normal controls. The velocity of contraction and dilation was also significantly slower in the small pupil group. Wider pupillary stretching during surgery resulted in deteriorated pupillary functions after surgery. Eyes of patients on long-term miotic therapy with pilocarpine showed poorer pupillary reaction postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Inappropriate use of the flexible iris retractor causes an atonic, chronically enlarged postoperative pupil. To avoid postoperative pupillary complications, miotic pupils should not be stretched to larger than a 5.0 x 5.0 mm square.