Phacoemulsification and intraocular lens placement in eyes with cataract and congenital coloboma: visual acuity and complications.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety and complications of phacoemulsification in a series of patients with congenital coloboma and cataract.

SETTING

University-based hospital practice.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of consecutive patients who had coloboma and cataract and had phacoemulsification between January 1987 through December 1998. Complications and visual acuity 2 months postoperatively were assessed.

RESULTS

Mean age of 7 cases at the time of surgery was 41.6 years +/- 11.1 (SD). Visual acuity improved in 6 of 7 eyes; 1 eye had no change. Six eyes had no serious complications. In 1 eye, a retinal detachment was observed postoperatively, but there was no loss in visual acuity. Another patient developed postoperative monocular diplopia from exposure of the intraocular lens (IOL) edge within the inferonasally located corectopia associated with the coloboma. Nonsurgical treatment was unsuccessful, but this symptom resolved after surgical pupilloplasty.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this small case series affirm that clinically significant cataract develops at a younger age in eyes with congenital coloboma than in eyes with typical age-related nuclear sclerotic cataract. Monocular diplopia, a potential complication after cataract surgery in these eyes, can be managed by pupilloplasty. The improved vision in this study indicates that phacoemulsification and IOL placement are safe and beneficial in patients with typical congenital coloboma and cataract.