Disadvantages and complications of corneal incisions in cataract/implant surgery in Abu Dhabi

ABSTRACT

A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate corneal incisions as a means of opening the eye for cataract surgery with or without implantation of an intraocular lens. The records of one hundred citizens of the United Arab Emirates [UAE] were reviewed. The patients in the study were selected randomly from amongst all those who had undergone cataract surgery and met the following criteria they were native to the UAE; only one eye was evaluated in each patient; no complications had been encountered during their surgery; and they had been followed up for at least 2 years. Sequelae recorded include early postoperative, localized corneal edema; peripheral corneal vascularization; loose, biodegraded, or ruptured sutures; giant papillary conjunctivitis; and astigmatism. Removal of the 10 - 0 nylon sutures under topical anesthesia at the slit lamp was found to be an impracticable procedure in the majority of patients and frequently required use of operating room facilities, which was another disadvantage of this approach. As a result of the findings of this study, the author has abandoned the use of corneal incisions for cataract surgery except when specifically indicated