A modified surgical technique in the treatment of facial nerve palsies.

The ophthalmic complications associated with facial nerve palsy present a challenging problem to the treating ophthalmologist. Over the last hundred years, a wide variety of techniques have been used to rehabilitate patients with facial nerve palsy. Each of these techniques is associated with unique complications. We describe a significantly modified surgical technique for the rehabilitation of patients with facial nerve palsy that has not, to our knowledge, previously appeared in the literature.

Retained intravitreal lens fragments after cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to review the possible benefits and complications of vitrectomy for retained lens fragments after cataract surgery. METHODS: The authors reviewed the charts of 65 patients referred over a 12-year period for retained lens fragments after cataract surgery. Of these, 56 underwent vitrectomy and 9 were followed. Of these 56 eyes, 29 (52%) had received an intraocular lens (IOL) at the time of cataract surgery. RESULTS: Resulting complications from retained lens material included glaucoma (52%), corneal edema (46%), uveitis (56%), and decreased vision (100%). These sequelae responded equally to vitrectomy in eyes with or without an IOL and irrespective of type of cataract surgery (phacoemulsification or extracapsular cataract extraction). The timing of surgery did not statistically influence the final vision or the incidence of glaucoma. CONCLUSION: Removal of retained lens fragments allows rapid visual restoration, enhances resolution of uveitis, and improves control of glaucoma. Insertion of an IOL at the time of cataract surgery in the face of dislocated lens fragments is not contraindicated provided that it could be performed safely.