title: Phacoemulsification with a blow-out fracture in the early postoperative period.
abstract: An 81-year-old woman had uneventful phacoemulsification through a self-sealing clear corneal wound. The postoperative course was complicated by a fall 10 days after surgery during which she hit her face on the carpet with sufficient force to cause an orbital floor blow-out fracture. Despite the blow, the corneal wound remained intact. As well as the advantage of rapid visual rehabilitation, sutureless corneal wounds provide a secure incision that has the ability to avoid leakage and iris prolapse despite great forces that may be applied to them.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XW, Wales, UK. david@teenan.freeserve.co.uk
authors.forename: David W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Teenan
authors.forename: David C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Saunders
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D009915:Orbit / Q000293:injuries*; D009917:Orbital Fractures / Q000209:etiology*; D018918:Phacoemulsification; D011184:Postoperative Period; D014945:Wound Healing