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


CONCLUSIONS
The authors conclude that although iris prolapse is much less common following phacoemulsification, all scleral sections that are extended should be sutured.
Francis
P J
PJ
Southampton Eye Unit, Southampton General Hospital, UK.
Morris
R J
RJ
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007499:Iris Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D018918:Phacoemulsification / Q000009:adverse effects; D011391:Prolapse; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014792:Visual Acuity