Phacoemulsification in eyes with posterior polar cataract.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the results of phacoemulsification in eyes with posterior polar developmental cataract and to appraise the strategy for surgical management.

SETTING

Iladevi Cataract & IOL Research Centre, Raghudeep Eye Clinic, Ahmedabad, India.

METHOD

This prospective study comprised 25 consecutive patients. All surgeries were performed by 1 surgeon. Endophacoemulsification was carried out after hydrodelineation. Hydrodissection or rotation was not attempted. A 2-port vitrectomy was performed when necessary.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up was 13.72 months (range 7 to 22 months). Nine patients (36%) developed posterior capsule rupture and 8 (32%) revealed plaques. An intraocular lens (IOL) was implanted in all 25 eyes. In 8 of 9 cases with rupture, the haptics were placed in the sulcus; in 1 case, the IOL was placed in the bag. One patient in the capsular rupture group developed macular edema 3 weeks postoperatively that responded to conservative treatment. Among 25 patients, 18 had a visual acuity of 20/20 to 20/30 and 6, 20/80 to 20/120. These 6 patients had residual posterior capsule plaque. All except 2 patients with plaque required a neodymium:YAG capsulotomy. In these patients, visual acuity improved to 20/30. In 1 patient, with microcornea, acuity did not improve to beyond 20/120.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms the predisposition to posterior capsule rupture in eyes with posterior polar cataracts. Careful surgical planning produces satisfactory technical and visual outcomes.