Causes of Unsuccessful Visual Outcome after Cataract Surgery

ABSTRACT

We evaluated preoperative characteristics, intraoperative problems, and postoperative complications among the patients who underwent phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation by one surgeon. Eyes with postoperative visual acuity was lower than preoperatively or less than 0.4 on Han`s visual acuity chart were designated Group A, 68 eyes (16.4%), and the remaining eyes were Group B, 46 eyes (83.6%). Preoperative characteristics in Group A were uveitis (16.2%), diabetic retinopathy (13.2%), glaucoma (11.8%), macular abnormality (11.8%), etc. Intraoperative complications, posterior capsule reptures with vitreous loss occurred in 21 eyes (5.1%). 8 eyes (11.8%) of the 21 eyes were Group A, 13 eyes (3.8%) were Group B, and the difference between both groups were statistically significant (p<0.01). Postoperatively, cystoid macular edema was occurred in 12 eyes (2.9%). 11 eyes (16.2%) of 12 eyes were Group A, 1 eye (0.3%) was Group B, and the difference between both groups were statistically significant (p<0.01) and 4 eyes were preceded by posterior capsule rupture. From the above results, we recognized the importance of avoiding posterior capsule rupture with vitreous loss. If it does occur, we recommend that meticulous anterior vitrectomy be performed. Following these guidlines should reduce the rate of unsuccessful cataract sugery.