Combined phacoemulsification, intraocular lens implantation, and scleral buckling surgery for cataract and retinal detachment.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of simultaneous surgery for cataract and retinal detachment.


METHODS
Six patients with a diagnosis of retinal detachment accompanied by dense cataracts precluding fundus visualization were enrolled in this study. A triple procedure involving phacoemulsification, posterior chamber intraocular lens insertion, and scleral buckling was performed in all six cases.


RESULTS
A clear intraoperative view of the fundus was obtained in all cases and retinal breaks were identified in five cases. The retina was successfully reattached in all six cases, five of which showed improvement in visual acuity.


CONCLUSIONS
Combined cataract and scleral buckling surgery can be performed safely. This procedure spares the patient repeat surgery and may improve the visual outcome by clearly identifying the breaks and avoiding delays in detachment repair.
Tsai
Tseng-Chiang
TC
Department of Ophthalmology, Tian-Sheng Memorial Hospital, Pingtung, Taiwan.
Wu
Wen-Chuan
WC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002386:Cataract / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018918:Phacoemulsification / Q000379:methods*; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D012449:Safety; D012591:Scleral Buckling / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity