Phaco linked to posterior capsule rupture

Phacoemulsification is linked to a higher rate of posterior capsule rupture in vitrectomized eyes, compared to combined vitrectomy and cataract surgery, claimed a paper in Retina.

Dr Jong Yeon Lee et al., Department of Ophthalmology, Gachon University Gil Hospital, Incheon, Korea, retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 54 patients who underwent cataract surgery in eyes that had previously been vitrectomized and 311 patients who experienced combined vitrectomy and cataract surgery. The main primary outcome measure was intraoperative complications during phacoemulsification and the secondary measures were preoperative and intraoperative cataract gradings.

It was discovered that the most common complication during phacoemulsification was posterior capsule rupture. The rate was higher in the sequential group than in the combined group, as was preoperative lens density.

Hard nucleus cataracts in vitrectomized eyes could have caused the higher rate of posterior capsule rupture in the sequential group.

Please click here for the abstract.