Phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation in nanophthalmic eyes: report of a medium-size series.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the outcomes in nanophthalmic eyes that had phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.

SETTING

Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

METHODS

Six nanophthalmic eyes of 4 patients had uneventful phacoemulsification and posterior chamber IOL implantation with a retrobulbar or peribulbar block. All operations were performed by 1 surgeon. Patients ranged in age from 41 to 70 years.

RESULTS

The visual acuity remained stable or improved in all 6 eyes. Glaucoma control was maintained or improved in 5 eyes.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that small-incision cataract surgery, although challenging, is safe and diminishes the need for prophylactic sclerotomies in these high-risk eyes.