Pars plana posterior capsulotomy in a patient with a telescope prosthesis for age-related macular degeneration.
OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate a surgical technique for visualization and removal of visually significant posterior capsule opacification (PCO) in a patient with a telescope prosthesis for end-stage age-related macular degeneration, in what is to our knowledge the first reported case of visually significant PCO associated with the use of this device.


METHODS
A pars plana capsulotomy using a 25-gauge vitrector was performed to remove PCO.


RESULTS
Pars plana capsulotomy was performed and visual acuity improved to pre-PCO levels. Challenges associated with the management of this condition are discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
The development of visually significant PCO in patients with a telescope prosthesis is a rare occurrence that poses a unique treatment dilemma. Given the risks of damaging the device with Nd:YAG laser, a method for pars plana capsulotomy using a 25-gauge vitrectomy instrument was determined and successfully performed to remove PCO in a telescope-implanted eye.
Singer
Michael A
MA
Medical Center Ophthalmology Associates, San Antonio, TX 78240, USA. msinger1@earthlink.net
del Cid
Mario R
MR
Stelton
Christopher R
CR
Boord
Terry
T
D002386:Cataract / Q000209:etiology; D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007903:Lens Capsule, Crystalline / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000601:surgery*; D055096:Optical Devices; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology; D014821:Vitrectomy / Q000295:instrumentation