Post-operative iris prolapse following phacoemulsification and extracapsular cataract surgery.

PURPOSE

This study retrospectively compared and contrasted iris prolapse occurring following extracapsular cataract extraction and phacoemulsification.

METHODS

The clinical notes of all patients who had undergone iris prolapse repair in the last 5 years at Southampton Eye Unit were recalled. Sixty-five patients (mean age 73 years; 41.6% male, 58.4% female) were identified out of a total of 7252 cataract operations performed (5983 extracapsular, 1269 phacoemulsification).

RESULTS

Fifty-nine (93.3%) iris prolapses occurred following extracapsular surgery (83% had corneal incisions, 17% limbal). We identified 3 cases of phaco-related prolapse each of which occurred where the scleral tunnel had been extended to enable insertion of a 7.0 mm optic intraocular lens but had not been sutured. Overall, the average best corrected visual acuity achieved was 6/9.

CONCLUSION

The authors conclude that although iris prolapse is much less common following phacoemulsification, all scleral sections that are extended should be sutured.