A Case of Anterior Chamber Irrigation with Distilled Water During Cataract Operation

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To report a case of anterior chamber irrigation with distilled water during cataract operation. METHODS: During the cataract operation of 56 year-old male patient, corneal edema and anterior chamber hazziness were noted after anterior chamber irrigation with distilled water for a minute. Distilled water was replaced rapidly balanced salt solution (BSS) as irrigation solution and operation was completed. At postoperative one day, corneal edema and anterior chamber exudative membrane were formed. After topical 5% NaCl, 1% prednisolone treatment, corneal edema and exudative membrane disappeared at postoperative sixth week. BCVA was 0.6. At postoperative ninth week, the patient complained of decreased visual acuity. On fundus exmination and flourescein angiography, cystoid macular edema (CME) was detected. RESULTS: After prednisolone oral administration and diclofenac eyedrop instillation, CME improved. At postoperative 24th month, BCVA was 0.8 and CME disappeared. CONCLUSIONS: From our experience of a case of anterior chamber irrigation with distilled water during cataract operation, if balanced salt solution replaces hypotonic solution rapidly as irrigation solution, corneal and other complications are managed properly, long term visual acuity appears good.