Posterior argentinean flag-like sign during primary posterior continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis / Sinal da bandeira argentina- like durante capsulorrexis posterior primária

ABSTRACT We describe a unique complication during primary posterior continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (PCCC) in a patient with megalocornea scheduled for phacoemulsification with toric multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. After nucleus emulsification and cortex removal, the capsular bag was filled with cohesive viscoelastic in preparation for PCCC to achieve reverse optic capture of the IOL, thus ensuring stability. However, as soon as the initial puncture was made using a 27-gauge needle to start the capsulotomy, the posterior capsule opening extended peripherally from 0º-180º. This capsule extension was similar to the Argentinean-flag sign in hypermature cataracts, and both are caused by excessive intracapsular pressure. Careful bimanual manipulation was performed to implant the IOL on the desired axis, which occurred uneventfully. At a postoperative visit, the patient exhibited excellent uncorrected visual acuity with a well-aligned IOL.

RESUMO Os autores demonstram uma complicação durante a realização de uma capsulo tomia circular contínua posterior (CCCP) em um paciente com megalocórnea programado facoemulsificação com implante de lente intraocular (LIO) tórica multifocal. Após a remoção do núcleo e córtex, o saco capsular foi preenchido por viscoelástico coesivo com finalidade de prepará-lo para realização da CCCP e com isso assegurar o correto alinhamento do implante no eixo desejado. Entretanto, assim que a agulha de 27-gauge foi utilizada para confecção puntura inicial da capsulotomia, imediatamente a cápsula posterior se abriu até periferia de 0-180 graus, similar à lesão capsular vista no sinal da Bandeira Argentina em cataratas hipermaduras, ambos causados por pressão excessiva intracapsular. Manipulação cuidadosa foi realizada para implantação da lente no eixo correto, a qual aconteceu sem intercorrências. No pós-operatório, a paciente apresentou uma excelente acuidade visual sem correção com LIO corretamente alinhada no eixo desejado.

Visual outcome of cataract surgery

The aim of this study was to assess whether the visual outcome of cataract surgery in the institution was in accordance with the World Health Organization recommendations. In this retrospective case series, all patients who underwent cataract surgery by a single surgeon from January 2009 till June 2011 were included. Date were collected from medical records on age, gender, visual acuity and causes of sub-optimal outcome. The main outcome was best-corrected visual acuity in the operated eye, measured 4 - 6 weeks after surgery. Data on visual outcome was grouped using WHO's classification. Of the 495 eyes that underwent cataract surgery, 58% were female. Overall, 93.3% of the operated eyes had good visual outcome, while 4.4% and 2.2% had borderline and poor outcomes, respectively. Pre-existing diseases accounted for 93.9% of the borderline/poor outcome. The study showed good visual outcome of cataract surgeries performed using phacoemulsification with intraocular lens [IOL] insertion