Posterior polar cataract surgery - a posterior segment approach.
OBJECTIVE
To suggest a surgical approach that would pre-empt uncontrolled posterior capsular rupture and consequent posterior segment complications associated with posterior polar cataract surgery.


METHODS
An interventional case series.


METHODS
This was a prospective, interventional study undertaken at a tertiary referral ophthalmic unit. Eleven eyes of eight patients underwent planned pars plana vitrectomy, lensectomy and posterior chamber sulcus fixated intra-ocular lens implantation. Demography, presenting features, pre- and post-operative visual acuities, complications and length of follow-up were recorded. A single surgical technique was performed in all the cases.


RESULTS
Five male and three female patients with a mean age of 49.7 years, underwent this procedure. The median-corrected pre-operative visual acuity was 6/12 and the same post-operatively was 6/6. The only major per-operative complication was one case of accidental iridectomy. Post-operatively there were transient choroidal folds in one case, mild posterior segment haemorrhage in another and retinal detachment in one patient. The mean follow-up period was 13 months.


CONCLUSIONS
This surgical technique offers a relatively controlled and predictable approach to posterior polar cataract surgery compared to others described in the literature. Although this technique is not without complications, the visual outcome is usually good.
Ghosh
Y K
YK
Department of Vitreo-retinal Surgery, Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre, City Hospital NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK. yajati_ghosh@hotmail.com
Kirkby
G R
GR
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007903:Lens Capsule, Crystalline / Q000601:surgery*; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology; D014821:Vitrectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*