Phacoemulsification in subluxated cataract.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcome of phacoemulsification in eyes with subluxated cataract. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study comprised 22 eyes of 20 consecutive patients with subluxated cataracts of varying aetiology operated between March 1998 and March 2001. Detailed preoperative assessment included visual acuity (VA), slitlamp examination, presence of vitreous in anterior chamber extent of subluxation, intraocular pressure (IOP) and detailed fundus examination. Phacoemulsification was done to retain the natural bag support and all patients had acrylic foldable Acrysof IOL implantation either in-the-bag or by scleral fixation. Postoperative observations included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), IOP, pupillary reaction and the IOL position. RESULTS: The aetiology of the subluxation was traumatic in 11 patients and non-traumatic in 9 patients. Fifteen were males and 5 were females. Mean follow-up was 11.7 +/- 9.71 months (range 4-39). The average age was 39.15 +/- 16.33 (range 5-74). A 2-port anterior chamber vitrectomy was performed in 6 eyes (27.2%). Capsule tension ring (CTR) was implanted in 15 eyes (68.18%). Twelve eyes (54.5%) had in-the-bag implants, while 5 (22.72%) had scleral fixation. The remaining 5 eyes (22.72%) had one haptic in-the-bag and another sutured to sclera. No major intraoperative complications were noted. Twelve eyes (54.5%) had clinically and geometrically well centered IOLs while 9 eyes (40.9%) had geometrically decentered IOLs. One patient was lost to follow-up. Fifteen eyes (55.55%) had postoperative BCVA of 6/12 - 6/6 while 2 eyes (7.40%) had BCVA of 6/18. The remaining 4 eyes (14.81%) had less than 6/24 BCVA due to pre-existing posterior segment pathology. Postoperative complications included rise in IOP in 1 eye (4.54%), pupillary capture of the IOL optic in 2 eyes (9.09%); the same 2 eyes (9.09%) required redialing of IOL. One eye (4.54%) had to undergo refixation (one haptic was fixed to sclera) year after cataract surgery. Postoperative retinal detachment was noticed in one patient after a month of phacoemulsification. CONCLUSION: In subluxated cataracts it is essential to have appropriate parameters depending on the grade of cataract. This contributes to a safe and predictable outcome in subluxated cataract surgery.